10 August,2026 02:32 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon (Picture via Instagram)
The Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) has strongly rejected reports claiming that its Executive Committee (EC) has been dissolved, calling the assertions "totally wrong, misconceived" and without constitutional basis. The actors' representative body maintained that its EC remains operational and continues to function.
Established in 1958, CINTAA is a trade union representing artistes working across films, television, digital platforms, advertising, live performances and other audiovisual mediums. Over the years, the association has worked on issues including artistes' contracts, timely payments, workplace disputes, professional rights and welfare.
In a statement, CINTAA clarified that its Constitution specifies the circumstances under which its elected Executive Committee can be dissolved. According to the association, the EC can be dissolved only if more than 50 per cent of its elected members resign. The statement came after 8 members resigned complaining against Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon.
CINTAA said that threshold has not been reached and, therefore, the Executive Committee continues to remain valid and functional. It also stated that vacancies within the EC have been filled according to its constitutional framework by inducting eligible members based on the voting count.
CINTAA's legal counsel, Advocate Suvigya Vidyarthi, criticised what the association described as attempts to interfere with its internal governance. He also referred to the involvement of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), alleging that it had sought to exercise powers that do not fall within CINTAA's constitutional framework. "The version which has been circulating that the EC of CINTAA is dissolved is totally wrong, misconceived and lacks any judicial sanctity," Vidyarthi said.
He further maintained that CINTAA's Executive Committee continues to function and that the association would take necessary steps to protect its autonomy. "The Executive Committee of CINTAA remains very much in existence and continues to function for the welfare of artistes and for the protection and strengthening of the rights of vulnerable actors," he added.
CINTAA also emphasised that the organisation's identity extends beyond any individual office-bearer or Executive Committee. The association said its nearly seven-decade-old institutional role is centred on collectively representing actors and supporting members facing professional disputes, delayed payments, unfair treatment and other workplace challenges.
Addressing the ongoing confusion, CINTAA issued a public notice stating that attempts were allegedly being made to create uncertainty about the association's functioning. "All concerned are hereby informed that some confusion is being sought to be created by some disgruntled members of CINTAA for oblique motives. Our Union is fully operational and functional through its EC. Take note," the notice stated.
CINTAA reiterated that its operations continue uninterrupted and that it remains committed to protecting the professional rights and interests of artistes.
The association maintained that internal disagreements, resignations or changes in its leadership cannot override its Constitution or independently determine the status of its elected Executive Committee.
