Actress and CINTAA member Kunickaa Sadanand has raised concerns over long working hours in the entertainment industry, saying artistes are often not paid extra when shoots extend beyond their scheduled working time.
“There are long working hours. It shifts from 10-12 hours. And if there are extra hours, then there is no extra money,” Kunickaa told IANS.
Comparing the situation with technicians, she said workers such as lighting and sound professionals receive additional payment when they are required to work an extra shift.
“So the body of a technician, whether it’s a light man, a sound man or whatever, they get their money. If there is an extra shift, they get paid. Somehow, artists are treated stepmother-like,” she said.
Kunickaa stressed that the disparity needs to be addressed and artistes should also receive additional compensation when they are asked to work beyond their agreed hours.
Her comments come amid the recent CINTAA elections, which were won by actress Upasana Singh. Kunickaa had also previously questioned the decision of CINTAA members Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure to continue holding their positions despite fresh elections being conducted.
She argued that holding a position in an artistes’ association should be about serving its members rather than retaining power.
Asked why Dhillon and Kolhapure appeared reluctant to relinquish their positions, Kunickaa initially said the question should be put to them.
“I don’t know, you will have to ask them,” she said.
Reflecting on her own long association with CINTAA, Kunickaa said she had already served on its committee early in her career and recalled meeting veteran actor Dara Singh during that period.
“You came there to give service, but it looks like an ego issue now, what else could it be?” she said.
The actress’s remarks highlight wider concerns within the entertainment industry over working conditions, contractual terms and fair compensation for artistes.