Anupam Kher seeks CINTAA help to resolve Gandhi To Hitler issue

Actor Anupam Kher recently got sued by filmmakers of the film Gandhi To Hitler for not returning the signing amount after opting out of the film. The actor has now approached CINTAA (Cinema & Television Artistes' Association) for a resolution. The actor apparently claims that the makers (Anil Kumar Sharma and Anil Singh) are using his name for publicity.

While the entire film industry is debating on Anupam's work ethics, Raza Murad, chairperson of the joint dispute settlement committee, CINTAA favours Kher saying that in 25 years with CINTAA, they have never received any complaint against the veteran.

Calling Anupam as one of the most professional actor, Murad blamed Gandhi To Hitler makers for not approaching them earlier when Kher backed out of the project. Regarding the signing amount that Anupam has not returned, CINTAA representative told Mid Day, “There's generally a mutual understanding between the actor and producer on this matter. In this case, too, maybe there was an understanding that the signing amount would be adjusted for whatever preparation Anupam had undertaken for the role. How else can you explain why the producers didn't ask him to return the money when he backed out?"

The cinema organisation for artistes made it clear that using an artistes' names negatively to promote a film will not be tolerated. "It's a small industry; there are no permanent friends or enemies here. We don't approve of this kind of character assassination of an artiste just for publicity. We're here to protect our artistes, but if they are in the wrong we won't hesitate pulling them up," he says.

This issue has sparked a debate in the industry regarding the signing amount of the actor when they opt out of a film, while a few support the statement others oppose the issue. Guess it is high time there should be a rule book for Bollywood.