Shabani Azmi who has always been very forward about her views, has now used her platform to highlight the fact that cine workers are getting no aid from the government during the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Shabana has been doing her bit for CINTAA workers but does believe that the M&E industry is treated like an orphan. "As a sector, we contribute millions to the exchequer. Every time there has been a national calamity, the film industry has come forward and has helped the government in fundraising as well as contributing personal donations. But it has largely been a one-way relationship. Sadly, we do not fall under the purview of any of the ministries, be it HRD/Ministry of labour/ culture or as a matter of fact even the Information and Broadcasting," she told ETimes.
"Unlike, in the West, we are not recipients of any social security schemes. Last year the UK government’s The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport announced 17 million pound fund to help the cultural, arts and heritage institutions survive the pandemic last summer," she added, saying that in the UK, the government has supported about 3,000 arts organizations in England so far, including venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Southbank Centre in London, and M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.
"We have no such response from our government. I think it’s largely due to the perception that the film industry is flushed with money and doesn’t need help. We are the cultural ambassadors of India - we bring repute to our country by the awards we win at international film festivals. Bollywood is a household name all over the world," she also said.
from filmfares
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