Cinema VinesIn a dramatic turn of events at the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) office in Mumbai, a physical altercation broke out among several prominent actors, prompting police intervention. The clash, captured on video and shared widely on Friday, involved well‑known figures such as Poonam Dhillon, Padmini Kolhapure, Upasana Singh, and Kunickaa Sadanand, among others. Police officers on the scene not only halted the brawl but also reprimanded the participants for their conduct.
Earlier this year, CINTAA’s Executive Committee saw a wave of resignations, with eight members stepping down over concerns that the body had drifted away from collective decision‑making and constitutional governance. The resignations, which left 50% of the 21‑member elected panel vacant, were cited as a reason for the committee’s dissolution in a joint letter from the departing members. The turmoil intensified when the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded fresh elections, a move that led Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure to seek a court‑ordered stay – a plea that was ultimately denied.
The recent altercation stemmed from accusations that official CINTAA paperwork had been moved into Poonam Dhillon’s vehicle and removed. Kunickaa Sadanand alleged that the documents were taken, prompting a confrontation with Padmini Kolhapure. When questioned about the alleged theft, Padmini demanded evidence, asking the others to produce the letter declaring the committee dissolved. Police officers attempted to calm the situation, reminding the actors that they were all treated equally under the law and warning them against further aggression.
During the confrontation, Poonam Dhillon questioned why her car was being searched, a point recorded by Kunickaa. The police responded with a stern admonition, stating, “I feel bad for talking like this. We don’t talk like this to even people from the slums.” They also cautioned the actors to consider their reputations, noting that the public was watching and that they were being given respect within limits. Upasana Singh tried to retrieve papers that had allegedly been sent, but a police officer replied that it was not his responsibility, suggesting that the Labour Commission would intervene if the documents had been tampered with.
With the scheduled CINTAA elections set for September 12, the incident underscores the deep divisions within the organization. The allegations of document smuggling, coupled with the recent physical brawl, highlight the urgent need for transparent governance and a fair electoral process. As the drama unfolds, stakeholders in the Mumbai film community watch closely, hoping for a resolution that restores stability to the body that represents thousands of artists and technicians.
