90 percent of foreign artistes working illegally in India: Bollywood union
In recent years, Bollywood has been undergoing a tumultuous period. With social media constantly calling for boycotts of Bollywood films, and succeeding, it can only be said that the industry is suffering. Now, the Bollywood union has claimed that local artistes and film crew members are also suffering due to foreign artistes and crew replacing them in Bollywood.
According to PTI reports, many foreign artistes are working in Bollywood illegally, without the proper work permits. The Bollywood union members have accused the Mumbai police of acting negligently in this case.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The Bollywood film industry is hiring more and more overseas experts and artistes for roles related to cinematography, scriptwriting, junior artistes, and dancers. In most cases, these individuals are being hired from countries like the UK, Russia, and Uzbekistan, among others.
Foreigners have taken over the jobs of Indians, who originally had the lion's share of representation in positions like make-up artists, hair stylists, dancers, action directors, stuntmen, costume designers, art directors, and technicians.
The chairman of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), Ashok Dubey, stated to PTI that Indians are losing employment opportunities due to foreigners who are working in Bollywood illegally. The FWICE comprises three lakh members.
"These foreign artists and crew members are hired by producers. Nearly 90 percent of foreigners working within the Indian movie trade are working illegally. These foreigners are working in movies with tourist visas instead of the proper work permit," said Dubey.
The union crew members have objected to the whole issue, as they believe foreign artists should be banned, similar to how Pakistani actors and technicians are not allowed to work in the Indian movie trade. The union members also stated that they have complained about the issue to the Mumbai police, but to no avail. At present, the exact number of foreigners working in Bollywood and Tollywood is not known.
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