2013 - Centenary of Indian Cinema or Its Obituary - all because of Taxes?
INAUGURATING the 41st International Film Festival of India yesterday, veteran Director Yash Chopra said, “The government-imposed taxes are proving the death knell of the film industry; The industry is going great guns but we must ask ourselves what the government is doing for us? Why are they treating the Indian film industry in such a step-motherly fashion?; The government is bent on implementing all these taxes, service tax, copyright, VAT, stamp duty. If these taxes keep coming it will be very difficult to make films. In 2013, we are celebrating the 100 years of Indian cinema but it may be too late. We may be writing our obituary. These are hard facts. The government must take notice”
Cinema is the only source of entertainment for India's poor millions and amidst all the glamour there are tragic stories of millionaires becoming paupers in the industry.
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee who was the Chief Guest for the function said, "I think Yash Chopra ji is correct. There is too much taxation, which comes under the finance ministry. I will take up the issue with Pranab da. There will be no dadagiri.”