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Tag: IMPPA

  • From Bhojpuri to global bigwig: Abhay Sinha’s star turn at FIAPF

    From Bhojpuri to global bigwig: Abhay Sinha’s star turn at FIAPF

    MUMBAI: Abhay Sinha, the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (Imppa) president, has sashayed his way into a starring role on the global stage. He’s been unanimously elected vice-president of FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations), the apex body of  of film producers from over 30 countries. The vote took place on 17 May, 2025, at the FIAPF Annual General Assembly in Cannes, France,

    This isn’t just a proud moment for Immpa, which has been in the game since 1937, but for the entire Indian film industry. Under Sinha’s leadership, Imppa has become a veritable dynamo, championing Indian producers and filmmakers both at home and abroad. He’s been working tirelessly to ensure Indian content creators get the recognition they deserve.

    One of Sinha’s greatest hits has been leading Imppa’s  presence at the Cannes Film Festival for two years running. In 2025, over 40 Indian films and a legion of delegates graced the festival, putting India’s diverse cinema firmly in the global spotlight. He even graced the Bharat Pavilion with his wisdom, speaking on a panel about the Changing Paradigm of Film Screening: Theatres to OTT, Digital Platforms and Beyond. He’s truly got his finger on the pulse of where film viewing is headed.

    But Sinha isn’t just about the glitz and glamour of international festivals. He’s been a driving force behind shaping better film policies across India. Think improved subsidy systems in Maharashtra, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. He’s also pushed for easier film certification and greater industry representation in national film bodies.

    Ever the industry advocate, Sinha has tackled critical concerns like vrtual print fees (VPF), exhibition hurdles, and taxation reforms, aiming to lighten the financial load on producers and distributors. And he’s not one to shy away from a fight, having actively voiced concerns about the proposed 100 per cent tariff by the US on foreign entertainment content. He argues such tariffs are a real cliff hanger for cultural exchange and the global reach of Indian cinema, calling for fair trade policies to protect the creative and economic interests of Indian filmmakers.

    Beyond his leadership roles, Sinha is also the founder of Yashi Films, a production powerhouse with over 150 feature films in various languages and more than 5,000 TV episodes under its belt. He’s also the mastermind behind the International Bhojpuri Film Awards (IBFA), the only global award platform for Bhojpuri cinema, which has travelled to multiple countries with the backing of Indian tourism bodies. These events have truly given regional Indian cinema and Bhojpuri artists a global stage.

    Sinha’s election as FIAPF vice-president is a landmark moment, giving Indian producers a much stronger voice on the world stage and opening up a treasure trove of new opportunities for collaboration and growth. It seems the reel world just got a whole lot more exciting for India.

  • Bombay high court permits persons above 65 years to work on film, TV sets

    Bombay high court permits persons above 65 years to work on film, TV sets

    MUMBAI: The Bombay high court has quashed Maharashtra government’s order for age limit on set. After constant appeal from the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) and Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA), the high court has finally allowed all people above 65 years of age associated with the entertainment industry to resume work on the sets of films and TV shows.

    A bench of chief justice Dipankar Datta and justice AS Gadkari, while hearing two petitions filed by the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) and actor Pramod Pandey, have taken this decision.

    The division bench of judges has allowed all producers, technicians, workers and artists to work. However, they will have to strictly adhere to the advisories which are applicable to all senior citizens as is applicable in case of all other citizens in the state.

    Earlier the high court had questioned the state government on the concerned matter and asked how it can stop senior citizens from working and earning a livelihood.

    The court had, during the hearing, appointed senior counsel Sharad Jagtiani as amicus curiae in the matter. IMPPA and television artist Promod Pande were represented by advocate Ashok Saraogi.

    According to IFTPC chairman TV wing JD Majethia there is certain ambiguity in the order. It is Bombay high court’s judgement but the film and television fraternity will also need to have clarification from Maharashtra government. He adds, “The major challenge in this issue is that insurance companies are not giving insurance cover for people above the age of 60 years. And as per the protocols, every member present on the set needs to have Covid2019 insurance cover. We will reach Maharashtra government for clarity, we will also speak to our lawyers to understand the order and will appeal to the government to  revise copy.”

    Earlier IMPPA President TP Aggarwal had stated that  that for all senior producers, directors, actors and technicians the creative medium is the only source of income and the guideline was not practical and was not fair as in no other profession this condition was imposed. After sending requests many times, the association had to move the high court for demanding the rights of earning one’s livelihood for these senior people from the fraternity.

    Apart from that, Cine And TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) senior vice president and actor Manoj Joshi had met the governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari to discuss this issue. CINTAA had also sent letters to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, minister Subash Desai and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.
     

  • Quash Maharashtra govt’s age limit on sets: IMPPA to Bombay high court

    Quash Maharashtra govt’s age limit on sets: IMPPA to Bombay high court

    MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government allowed shootings to resume but barred people above the age of 65 from participating, deprived them of a livelihood and because of which they are facing starvation, said the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) in its petition, urging the Bombay high court to quash the state government's directive.

    The association represents thousands of film and television producers, short films, programmes, artists and technicians. IMPPA’s petition comes a day after the high court, on a petition by artist Pramod Pandey, questioned the basis of the state government's restriction.

    IMPPA’s petition, filed with the help of advocate Ashok Saraogi, stated that prior to the lockdown, thousands of cast and crew members aged above 65 years participated in the shooting of programmes. But now, the shootings of such films and programmes have been left in between due to non-availability of such people.

    IMPPA president TP Aggarwal stated that for all senior producers, directors, actors and technicians the creative medium is the only source of income and the guideline was not practical and was not fair as in no other profession this condition was imposed. He added, “After sending requests many times, we had to move to the high court for demanding the rights of earning one’s livelihood for these senior people from the fraternity.”

    The IMPPA petition cites how the Karnataka high court had been specifically informed by the central government that individuals above 65 years of age had all the rights to carry out their work and the said restriction was only an advisory to stay at home. Hence, it isn't a binding order and every individual has the right to work for his livelihood and the government could not impose such regulations.

    The petition also informed that the entire trade has come to a standstill and several members who are associated with the film trade are starving and many have committed suicide.

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  • Producers’ association appeals to pay dues to workers, artists

    Producers’ association appeals to pay dues to workers, artists

    MUMBAI: Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) has requested its members to pay the dues to their employees, workers, artists and technicians as soon as possible to enable them to survive in these difficult times. 

    The association reminded all its members of the situation of the workers, technicians and artists who have not yet been paid the dues. Their condition has become very serious due to further extension of the lockdown by the government, said an IMPPA statement.

    “We are aware that our members are also having liquidity crunch and are facing difficulties, but on humanitarian ground we request all our members who have taken work from any of their employees, workers, artists and technicians for any of their productions to clear their dues,” said the statement.

    The association said that the unpaid workers are more vulnerable in these trying times and that paying the dues will ensure that they get enough money to fulfill their daily needs.

  • Producers’ association warns against fake news of production restarting

    Producers’ association warns against fake news of production restarting

    MUMBAI: Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) has appealed to people not to fall prey to false and baseless information regarding re-starting of shooting.

    IMPPA in a press release said that they have been informed by many members who have come across messages being spread in the press and social media in the name of Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). The official release by IMPPA also mentioned the latest WhatsApp message being circulated in the name of the office-bearers of FWICE.

    According IMPPA, the false news spreading on social media in the name of FWICE states: “Shooting of TV serials shall start from June end for which FWICE has issued guidelines that one inspector and ambulance shall have to be present on sets at all times and though only 50 per cent workers will be allowed to work, the producers will have to pay workers and if anything untoward happens to any worker due to Covid2019, the concerned producer will have to pay compensation of Rs 50 lakh  to that worker.”

    To verify the details, IMPPA spoke to FWICE general secretary Ashok Dubey who informed that all these guidelines and directions circulated in the name of FWICE are totally false and baseless.

    FWICE also confirmed that no such decision or guideline shall be finalized unless all the producers’ association agrees to the same. It also made it clear that the decision to restart shoot post Covid-2019 pandemic shall be valid and subsisting only if the same is countersigned and authenticated by FWICE and the producers’ association and the president of IMPAA.

  • Shooting of TV shows, digital originals & films halted from 19 March to 31 March 2020

    Shooting of TV shows, digital originals & films halted from 19 March to 31 March 2020

    MUMBAI: Various stakeholders of the Indian entertainment industry have taken measures to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Different bodies of television, directors and producers have decided to stop shooting of films, TV serials and web series from 19 March 2020 till 31 March 2020.

    The decision was taken in a joint meeting of Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA), Western India Film Producers' Association (WIFPA), Indian Film and Television Producers Council (IFTPC), Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) and Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) held on 15 March 2020.

    “In view of the epidemic spread of Covid19 virus throughout the world, including India, an urgent meeting of IMPPA- WIPFA- IFTPC-IFTDA- FWICE held on 15 March 2020 unanimously decided to stop shootings of films, TV serials, web series and all other entertainment including digital formats from 19 March 2020 till 31 March 2020 as a result of health advisory, closure of all cinema halls, all sporting, educational institutes and entertainment events by the government of India which has declared a medical emergency over the Corona Virus. We appreciate and support all the steps taken by the government of India to control the virus,” said IMPPA.

    The association further says, “All units shooting till the stoppage comes into force have been strictly advised to follow all precautionary and preventive measures without fail. Decision about re-starting shootings shall be taken on 30 March 2020 after considering the prevailing situation.”

    TV broadcasters too are taking utmost measures to avoid gatherings on the sets.  

    A Zee spokesperson says, “In view of the growing concern regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, Zee TV is putting a temporary halt to on-sets for the safety of all the members of the media. Apart from on-sets, no bytes or special stories will also be allowed, unless prior committed and lined up for a particular day. This is being done as a precautionary measure and as soon as the situation improves, we shall resume onset access.”

    Abhinav Khare, CEO of Asianet News Group, said that every effort has been taken to ensure that the employees are safeguarded and their health protected. 

    "However, being media companies, we cannot adopt the work-from-home option. There are studios and equipment. Ours is a live medium. So whatever is happening and whenever is happening, reporters have to go to the spot and report," he said.

  • Reduce GST on film industry, IMPPA pleads to FM Jaitley

    Reduce GST on film industry, IMPPA pleads to FM Jaitley

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) has urged the government to fix 5 per cent as the maximum GST rate that should be charged on all goods and services connected with the entertainment industry including entertainment tax.

    In a letter to finance minister Arun Jaitley, IMPPA President T P Aggarwal said, “This will provide life to an industry which is being crushed under the heavy burden of tax and which needs immediate help and support of the government to survive”.

    Pointing out that IMPPA was the oldest body of filmmakers having been set up in 1937, Aggarwal said the film industry has been burdened with the extreme end of high GST.

    “In all other products, tax is levied after recovery of cost of production as well as input credit where all taxes and GST paid are adjusted in the GST payable,” he added. But in the film industry, GST has to be paid on goods and services as well as on sale of tickets irrespective of the fact whether the expenses incurred on making the film along with taxes paid thereon have been recovered or not.

    GST in the form of entertainment tax has to be paid on the sale of tickets from the first ticket onwards where it has been fixed at the highly unreasonable level of 18 per cent for tickets up to Rs 100 and 28 per cent for tickets more than Rs 100.

    The letter said that the imposition of uniform 18 per cent GST on majority of goods and services is also largely responsible for the miserable state of the film industry because very few films are profitable propositions and majority of films are disasters leading to the annihilation of the producers.

    Aggarwal wrote that the government should be “providing free entertainment to the people who pay so many taxes.” Instead, it levies heavy entertainment tax which has to be paid by the poor citizen on films. Producers deserve to get the full money since the films are self-financed without any government aid.

    He said that very few hit films make money while the rest are reeling in losses. Meanwhile, both the central and state governments cash in by imposing GST at every level. He demands that the practice of state governments choosing their own amount of entertainment tax must be abolished.

  • T.P. Aggarwal chosen IMPPA president

    T.P. Aggarwal chosen IMPPA president

    MUMBAI: The Indian Motion Picture Producers‘ Association (IMPAA) has elected T.P. Aggarwal as its new president.

    Other members who were elected include Sushama Shiromanee (IMPAA senior vice president), Vinay Kumar Sinha (vice president) and Anand Girdhar (treasurer).

    A total of 16 candidates contested in the Ordinary Members category (regular producers) and five candidates in Associate Class in each of the groups Active Group headed by Shabnam Kapoor and Today‘s Group headed by T.P. Aggarwal. Komal Gulati was the independent candidate who bagged seven votes.

    Today‘s Group outwitted the Active Group with 11 of its members winning against the Active Group‘s 10 members.

    Those elected from the Ordinary members category were Kuku Kohli, Ashok Pandit, Guddu Dhanoa, Shabnam Kapoor, Naresh Mohnot, Vicky Ranawat, Manoj Chaturvedi, N.R. Pachisia and Mrs. Farrah Sultan Ahmed.

    The elections were presided over by Guddu Dhanoa, Kumar Aditya and secretary and returning officer Anil Nagrath.

    Later, at a small ceremony, ex-Mumbai commissioner of Police A N Roy awarded the Lifetime Achievement Awards to Aroona Irani, late Mehmood (collected by brother Anwar) and late Gulshan Kumar (collected by Krishan Kumar). The Young Achievers Award was given to producer Sajid Nadiadwala.

    Associate Class: S. Kumar Mohan (63 votes).