Fading fortunes of India’s Bollywood in streaming era spark political debate
Bollywood is at the center of a heated debate regarding the Indian government's financial support, or lack thereof, for the film industry. Jaya Bachchan, actress and politician, criticized Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for neglecting Bollywood in the recent federal budget, especially as the industry faces challenges from declining cinema attendance due to the rise of streaming services.
Bachchan highlighted the closure of single-screen theaters and the high cost of moviegoing, suggesting the government's policies may be detrimental to the industry, which she believes uniquely connects India to the world. Sitharaman responded by pointing out that the federal government doesn't impose entertainment tax and also accused previous Congress-led governments of mistreating Bollywood figures.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Bollywood is at the center of a heated debate regarding the Indian government's financial support, or lack thereof, for the film industry. Jaya Bachchan, actress and politician, criticized Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for neglecting Bollywood in the recent federal budget, especially as the industry faces challenges from declining cinema attendance due to the rise of streaming services.
Bachchan highlighted the closure of single-screen theaters and the high cost of moviegoing, suggesting the government's policies may be detrimental to the industry, which she believes uniquely connects India to the world. Sitharaman responded by pointing out that the federal government doesn't impose entertainment tax and also accused previous Congress-led governments of mistreating Bollywood figures.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
