A unanimous decision to issue a press release was taken jointly in a virtual zoom meeting held on 22nd June, 2020 at 12 noon by Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) & Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA)

Meeting was attended by:

 Shri B N Tiwari President - FWICE

Shri Gangeshwar Srivastav Treasurer – FWICE

 Shri Manoj Joshi Sr Vice President – CINTAA

 Shri Amit Behl Sr Joint Secretary – CINTAA

 Ms Rajeshwari Sachdev Joint Secretary - CINTAA

Shri Rashid Mehta EC Member – CINTAA

 Shri Sanjay Bhatia EC Member – CINTAA

 Shri Ayub Khan EC Member – CINTAA



The decision to come out with a press release had to be taken as many of the grievances on working conditions/ payment terms/ duty hours which were submitted to the Producers association through series of joint meetings and communications earlier did not result in any positive reverts from them. There is still uncertainty looming large.

Though we have always assured our best support to them they have not taken our concurrence on many issues resulting in lack of clarity and confusions. Many producers are taking unilateral steps of calling our members for shoot, this has only created a feeling of unrest and misguidance amongst the members, even before resumptions of shoot.

 FWICE and CINTAA which has scores of members enrolled in the cadres of Actors, Technicians & Workers need immediate changes implemented in the working system/payment terms before any resumption of shoots.

Post COVID-19 the working system would change for all with probable health challenges and drop in immunity levels hence it is all the more important that all our concerns are suitably addressed.

It is highly regretted to note that even after the strict directives issued by the I & B ministry to all the producers to clear the outstanding dues of the actors, workers and technicians pending prior to the announcement of the lockdown by the Government amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Producers have still not cleared the outstanding dues of our members. All the outstanding dues of our members should be cleared prior to the resumption of the shootings.



Shift hours. Strictly to be 8 hours per day.

#Payments to daily paid actors/ technicians/ workers has to be settledv end of the day.

#All contractual employees have to be paid in 30 days.

#Conveyance has to be settled end of the dayv 

₹Mandatory weekly holidayv

₹Adherence to stringent health and safety protocols as per directives ofv the Government.

#Insurance: Healthv & Life Insurance with Covid-19 specific coverage. We demand a 50-lac cover for actors / workers /technicians who succumb to death.

#No pay cuts/discounts will be agreed by Actors/ workers /techniciansv post resuming to work. 

#No actor/ technicians/ workers would be replaced for refusing givingv discounts on their emoluments. 

#Deployment of a well-equipped ambulance along with a Paramedicalv staff (Nurse) and a Doctor at the location

#All the above-mentioned issues have to be resolved first so that there is complete clarity to all, be it actors/ workers or technicians. No one can risk the lives of human resources and for us at FWICE AND CINTAA certainly not

Shri B N Tiwari-Presiden FWICE

Shri Vikram Gokhle-Honorary President CINTAA

Shri Ashok Dubey -Gen. Secretary FWICE

Shri Manoj Joshi  -Honorary Sr. Vice-President  CINTAA

Shri Gangeshwar Srivastav-Treasurer FWICE

Shri Darshan Jariwalla-Honorary Vice President CINTAA

Shri Amit Behl -Honorary Sr. Jt Secretary & Chairman -Outreach Committee CINTAA

Ms. Rajeshwari Sachdev - Honorary Joint Secretary CINTAA

Shri Abhay Bhargava - Honorary Treasurer- CINTAA

Siddhant Bhosle, May You Be In A League Of Your Own: Amitab bachchan

When Siddhant Bhosle, Sudesh Bhosale's son, launched his first original independent song 'Din Aur Raatein' and sent the song to Amitabh Bachchan song and launched it for the young man. It is also a known fact that Sudesh Bhosale has always been the voice of Amitabh Bachchan, and an unbeatable one at that!

The Superstar took to Twitter and wrote - “Sung, composed, written & arranged by Siddhant Bhosle, son of Sudesh Bhosale, who became my singing voice in my films .. My wishes and love .. may you be in a league of your own!” he blessed. Amitabh Bachchan, whose association has been with Sudesh Bhosale since Ajooba days has seen Siddhant grow up from a child to a fine young man.

“The tweet by Amitabh sir was a big surprise. Dad and I wanted him to be the first person to listen to the song. His feedback is a great learning. But I honestly did not expect him to share it with the world. This was the biggest release for my maiden original song I could ever ask for!”

The production of the song was an experience that the young talent was not accustomed to, due to the COVID-19 lockdown! “Usually, we have a huge team on set during the shoots, however, the lockdown forced us to creatively make things work with what we had. The video has been shot completely at home by my sister Shruti Bhosle. We had to come up with creative ways to coordinate on video call with our supervising DOP Tuhin Mukherjee and Director-Editor Amitesh Mukherjee,” reveals Siddhant Bhosle.

Like anyone else, Siddhant Bhosle was affected by the loneliness of lockdown. “I, too, yearned for comfort, for people, spaces and memories. As a creative person, I took these emotions and channelised them through my songwriting.”

In an attempt to capture these emotions to depict the present as a fleeting moment, something that will surely pass, Siddhant Bhosle tried and motivated the listeners to not lose the ability to fight during difficult times. At the same time, Din Aur Raatein is timeless as it draws a picture of reality with captivating vocals and melody.

Veteran playback singer Sudesh Bhosale is visibly touched by Amitabh Bachchan's familial gesture. “Amit Ji has watched Siddhant grow from a child to a young adult! When he shared the song with his blessings, it regenerated my faith that my son will go a  long way!”

Sung, composed, written and arranged by Siddhant Bhosle, 'Din Aur Raatein' is a blend of International Pop with Indian melodies.

Song Link:

https://youtu.be/2lezMg99v4w

for his blessings, Sr. Bachchan made a very sweet gesture! He immediately tweeted

h Bach

मसाला किंग धनंजय दातार ने यूएई से घर लौट रहे भारतीयों की मदद का लिया जिम्मा

दुबई - मौजूदा कोविद १९ वैश्विक महामारी के मद्देनजर हजारों फंसे हुए भारतीय यूएई से भारत लौटने का इंतजार कर रहे हैं। दोनों देशों के बीच हवाई यातायात फिर से शुरू हो गया है और भारतीय वाणिज्य दूतावास और बुकिंग टिकटों के साथ पंजीकरण की प्रक्रिया भी शुरू हो गई है। अल आदिल ट्रेडिंग के अध्यक्ष और प्रबंध निदेशक, डॉ. धनंजय दातार भारत लौटने वाले जरूरतमंद यात्रियों के हवाई टिकट खर्च को प्रायोजित करने में सहायता कर रहे हैं।

डॉ. दातार ने कहा , युएई से  भारत में जाने की राह देखने वाले भारतीयों का टीकट खर्च और कोविड टेस्ट के खर्च है उनकी मदद करेंगे. कई लोग हैं जो विमान का किराया और कोविद टेस्ट शुल्क को पूरा करने में असमर्थ हैं। “मैं समझता हूं कि बहुत से लोग जिन्होंने अपनी नौकरी खो दी है, वे इस पहल से वंचित हैं क्योंकि उनके पास पर्याप्त पैसा नहीं है। मैं अनुमोदित संगठनों के साथ समन्वय कर रहा हूं ताकि जरूरतमंद लोगों को मदद मिल सके। इस संबंध में सभी आवश्यक दिशा-निर्देशों का सख्ती से पालन किया जाएगा। मैं भारतीय वाणिज्य दूतावास श्री. विपुल से बात की और भारतीयों के टिकट प्रायोजित करना चाहता हु। मैं अपना छोटा कर्तव्य पूरा कर रहा हूं और मुझे उम्मीद है कि मेरी पहल उपयोगी होगी। मैं अपने सभी साथी नागरिकों से भी योगदान देने का आग्रह करता हूं, ताकि वे एक साथ मिलकर इस संकट को जल्द से जल्द बाहर आये। मैं उन सभी के प्रति आभार व्यक्त करता हूं और उन सभी को बधाई देता हूं जो इस प्रक्रिया में शामिल थे, ”डॉ. धनंजय दातार ने कहा।

डॉ. धनंजय दातार के नेतृत्व में अल आदिल ट्रेडिंग ग्रुप, युएई में ९००० से अधिक भारतीय उत्पादों को लाने में सहायक रहा है। आज, समूह में ४३ विशाल सुपर स्टोर, २ आधुनिक मसाला कारखाने, २ आटा मिलें और खाड़ी देशों में फैले एक आयात-निर्यात कंपनी की श्रृंखला है। यूएई के शासकों ने धनंजय को एक प्रतिष्ठित पुरस्कार और व्यावसायिक क्षेत्र में उनके महत्वपूर्ण योगदान के लिए 'मसाला किंग' की उपाधि से सम्मानित किया है।

इस समूह मे रेडीमेड आटा, मसाले, अचार, जैम, स्नैक्स और इंस्टंटन्ट खाद्य पदार्थों के रूप में अपने ब्रांड 'पीकॉक' के तहत ७०० से अधिक उत्पादों का विनिर्माण भी होता है। उनके समूह की भारतीय शाखा, मसाला किंग एक्सपोर्ट्स (इंडिया) प्रा. लिमिटेड मुंबई से सफलतापूर्वक संचालित हो रहि है। अल आदिल समूह अन्य खाड़ी देशों में अपनी शाखाओं का सक्रिय रूप से विस्तार कर रहा है। कंपनी ने संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिका, कनाडा, केन्या, स्विट्जरलैंड, इटली, इरिट्रिया, कुवैत, ओमान, बहरीन, सऊदी अरब और यूएई में विशेष व्यापार मार्ग स्थापित किए हैं।

Minister Aslam Sheikh distributes 2,500 Dry Ration kits to the Dabbawallahs of Mumbai City.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi Government backs and supports the Dabbawallahs plight wholeheartedly.

Hon. Guardian Minister Shri.Aslam Shaikh distributed 2,500 Dry Ration Kits to the Iconic Dabbawallahs on Monday. The event was organized at the P-North Divisional Office of Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Anusha Srinivasan Iyer of Make Earth Green Again Mega Foundation  brought the Dabbawallah's pleas to the notice of the Hon. Minister. Senior officials of the Municipal Corporation were present at the distribution.

Mr. Ramdas Karonde, President of Mumbai Dabbawallah Association, explained to Mr. Aslam Shaikh the financial crisis faced by them due to the lockdown. Vinod Shete, spokesperson of the association, requested an Aid of Rs. 2,000 per person per month. The Hon. Minister patiently listened to their grievances and asked for an immediate punchnama to help those whose houses were ravaged by the the recent Nisarg cyclone.

Mr. Shaikh said,  "The Dabbawallahs are the lifeline of working Mumbai. They have been  serving the metro for over 130 years and feed us with love and grace." He promised to  arrange rations for Dabbawallahs and their families till the end of the lockdown. He  promised to raise the issues of Dabbawallahs in the forthcoming Cabinet Meeting as well. "It took Hon.Minister Aslam Shaikhji a day to arrange for the ration. The city is privileged and grateful to have such a Guardian Minister who reached out immediately and ensured help, giving a patient ear to the dabbawallahs," reiterated Anusha Iyer.

मेरे बच्चो को भरोसा ही नहीं हो रहा कि स्क्रीन पर रामायण में मैं हूँ : स्वप्निल जोशी

उत्तर रामायण टीआरपी चार्ट में सबसे ऊपर होने के कारण, स्वप्निल जोशी इस पौराणिक शो के पुनः प्रसारण पर अपनी ख़ुशी ज़ाहिर की!

कोरोना वायरस (कोविद -19) ने पूरी दुनिया को हिला दिया है और सभी के जीवन पर इसका गहरा प्रभाव पड़ा है। भारतीय मनोरंजन उद्योग अलग नहीं है, सरकार द्वारा घोषित, लॉकडाउन के दौरान पौराणिक धारावाहिकों ने वापसी की है, और हर किसी की बचपन की यादें ताजा हो गई हैं। शो को फिर से चलाने के निर्णय को देश भर के दर्शकों द्वारा अच्छा प्रतिसाद मिला है। कई अन्य लोगों की तरह, अभिनेता स्वप्निल जोशी भी इन धारावाहिकों के पुनः प्रसारण को देख रहे हैं। वास्तव में अभिनेता स्वप्निल जोशी के दो लोकप्रिय धारावाहिक उत्तर रामायण और कृष्णा भी टेलीविजन पर घर-घर में फिर से शुरू हो गए हैं।

स्वप्निल जोशी ने तमाम विपरीत परिस्थितियों का सामना करते हुए अपने कलात्मक कौशल को साबित किया है और सिनेमा की दुनिया में अपनी पहचान बनाई है। भारतीय फिल्मों में लोकप्रिय बाल कलाकार से लेकर मराठी फिल्म और टीवी इंडस्ट्री के चॉकलेटी बॉय स्वप्निल जोशी ने दर्शकों का मनोरंजन किया है। हाल ही में, 'समान्तर' नामक एक वेब-श्रृंखला में अपनी शुरुआत कर वेब सीरीज की दुनिया में कदम रखा ।

पौराणिक धारावाहिक के फिर से पुनः प्रसारण पर बोलते हुए, स्वप्निल जोशी ने कहा, "लोगों को लॉकडाउन से काफी मुश्किलों का सामना करना पड़ रहा हैं  लेकिन अब सभी को शांति रखने की आवश्यकता है। यह शांति प्राप्त करने के लिए रामायण, महाभारत और श्रीकृष्ण जैसी धारावाहिकों को देखना अच्छा पर्याय है । तीन प्रतिष्ठित धारावाहिकों में से, अभिनेता ने दो धारावाहिकों में मुख्य भूमिका निभाई है; उन्होंने कार्यक्रम में उत्तर-रामायण में 'लव और कुश' मे से कुश की भूमिका निभाई और श्रीकृष्णा में कृष्णा की। "दुनिया में ऐसा कोई नहीं है जो भगवान राम और कृष्ण के बारे में नहीं जानता है।"

उन्होंने कहा कि यह सिर्फ एक धारावाहिक नहीं है, बल्कि कई लोगों के बचपन और संस्कृति का हिस्सा है। इतना ही नहीं, स्वप्निल का मानना है कि जाति या धर्म उसमें बाधा नहीं है, रामायण और महाभारत ऐसे धारावाहिक हैं, जिन्हें हर भारतीय देख रहा है और आनंद ले रहा है । स्वप्निल जोशी ने अंत में कहा, “यह हर किसी के लिए अपने बचपन को फिर से जीने का एक शानदार अवसर है। और इसमें मैं भी शामिल हूं। व्यक्तिगत रूप से, मैं अपने बच्चों के साथ फिर से पुनः प्रसारण का आनंद ले रहा हूं। एक खास बात का स्वप्निल ने खुलासा किया कि उनके बच्चो ने उन्हें शो में नहीं पहचाना। “उन्होंने विश्वास करने से इनकार कर दिया कि मैं स्क्रीन पर हूँ। मैं उस समय ९  या १० साल का था।"

I am all for new tunes, lyrics and songs on my YouTube channel: Asha Bhosle

She has been bestowed with contagious energy, an ever-youthful persona and voice that has mesmerised audiences transcending generations. Now, Asha Bhosle is on YouTube with her channel 'Asha Bhosle Official' youthful original content, albeit with a dash of spiritualism!

What prompted the legendary songstress to go the YouTube way? Necessity is the mother of invention is hardly the reply you think of, but Asha Tai answers with honesty. "Due to the present situation, like all of humanity, I’m cooped up at home. Sitting at home, with my grandkids and observing their net savvy communication skills, a new world opened up for me. Over the years, I’ve been asked by many people to pen down my thoughts, experiences and emotions but I just didn’t have the time. Now, that I am at home, I decided to record my experiences of 86 years and maybe some of them may entertain people, make them think or just have a good time and a laugh." Stating that there is so much negativity around us, Asha Bhosle wants her channel to be a medium where with her infectious energy, she can lighten moods. And of course, leave timeless works for the present and future generations that will have record of people she has worked with.  "I thought YouTube would be a wonderful medium to chat with all my friends out there sitting in far away places."

Zanai Bhosle, Asha Bhosle's 18 year old  grand daughter is her muse. "I am particularly fond of Zanai because she has got an artistic side. She is a song writer, singer, musician and classical Kathak dancer... she reminds me of myself and maybe that is why I feel close to her. Though she is much younger than me, she sometimes says things from which I can learn and educate myself further. I like that." So when Zanai started her YouTube channel, her youthful grandma watched her and got inspired. "Sensing my enthusiasm, Zanai egged me on to have my own channel to record my life’s experiences." Asha Bhosle is sure she is going to put down many stories of her life that can remain alive for posterity.

Talking of the maiden song ‘Main Hoon’ with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Asha Bhosle also reveals her spiritual side. "Sri Sri Ravishankarji is a wonderful person. I have known him for a while. It was a chance meeting in Cambodia when we both were enjoying the sites of Angkor Vat when I felt that he is different from other spiritual people or gurus that I have met. And when I heard the lyrics of the song and the wonderful composition, it brought a certain calm to my soul," she expresses.
The singer wanted to  release the tribute on Sri Srijis birthday. "Now that the day has dawned, I hope the listeners understand the spirituality behind the song," she avers.

Asha Bhosle's YouTube channel besides music will unravel interesting facets of her, replete with anecdotes. "There are so many memories that are lying dormant in my mind. I will bring them alive through YouTube and share it with my listeners."

One can not but think of Asha Bhosle being an amazing cook, the time she wanted to be a nurse or when she sang in Russian or when she danced on stage with a stick or got fired by Lata didi... the singer has always followed her heart...

But there is still more. Asha Bhosle promises to also introduce fresh new songs that viewers can enjoy. "There’s a short trailer on the YouTube channel that gives you a glimpse of what is in store. As we go along, it is going to be an interactive channel with a lot of content," she reveals.

What kind of songs can we expect? "The past is gone. It’s history. I don’t delve nor live in the past. I forge ahead. So, my music too will be modern, fresh and new. Of course my past work will be represented through anecdotes et al, but I am all for new tunes, lyrics and songs," Asha Bhosle enthuses.

What more to expect from the evergreen Asha Bhosle besides this reinvention? "This is just the beginning. You’ll be surprised with what I have in store," quips Asha Bhosle mysteriously.

Any words before we bid adieu? "Music is divine. Life is too serious to be taken seriously," she signs off. Touche!

Link to Song 'Main Hoon' on Asha Bhosle Official...
https://youtu.be/Z_F-KpzNiXw

Bringing Back The Humane In Humanity – Mukkti Foundation – A Smita Thackeray Foundation

Smita Thackeray helmed Mukkti Foundation has been instrumental in distributing over 8,500 meals to the needy along with 2,000 face shields for our frontline COVID-19 warriors!

Mukkti Foundation, under the aegis of firebrand social activist Smita Thackeray, has always been on a forefront on making a difference in everyone's lives. ….. taking a stand against discrimination and social awareness of HIV/AIDS patients and the trauma they go through, empowerment of women and children, the cause of education, welfare and environment activism, the foundation hasn't shied away from doing the right things in these trying times !

COVID-19 has disrupted everything across the world! Battling a pandemic that no one has battled in their lives before, Smita Thackeray believes that we are suddenly facing a scenario that we could not really fathom. With everyone trying to cope with the anxiety and uncertainty in their lives, many are trying to survive with their limited resources as the earnings are brought to a suddne stop! “At Mukkti, we always step in and contribute in however best way we can. In the past, we've conducted fundraisers for calamities across the country including in Gujarat, Rajasthan et al to survive drought. Mukkti has also raised funds for Kargil war veterans. During Coronavirus pandemic, we are trying to contribute to the welfare of the less fortunate,” she says.

Shedding light to the initiatives undertaken by Team Mukkti, Smita reveals that her son Rahul and his wife Aditi started an initiative in association with the ASBB Foundation. Mukkti Foundation with Association Of Social Beyond Boundaries, is distributing food to the Police, stranded labourers, BMC workers, beggars, sex workers in areas across Mumbai including Andheri, Vile Parle, Khar, Santa Cruz, Bandra, Mahim, Dadar, Mahalaxmi, Grant Road and Kamathirpura ensuring they are fed! “We'd like to thank Sagar Jain, Raj and the entire team of ASBB Foundation. Without them it would have not been possible to reach out to so many people at times. Also, with the increase in the number of cases we have come across among doctors, nurses, paramedics among other medical staff getting infected, we are sponsoring face shields and providing protective gear to several hospitals,” shares Smita while adding, “We have distributed more than 2,000 face shields so far! We are also helping the farmers by sourcing organic fruits and vegetables to people across different areas.” So far, Mukkti Foundation has distributed over 8,500 meals to people across the city!

Mukkti Foundation has raised funds through crowd-funding as well as donors who believe in the initative. Collectively, it has helped with the food distribution drive to aid dabbawalas, shares Aaishvary Thackeray, Smita Thackeray's younger son. He contributed for the food grains for over 100 dabbawalas!

More power to Team Mukkti!