12.5 Service tax levied on Actors!

TV business is a very volatile profession and this sentiment is echoed by many actors of television industry. Yesterday TV industry was in a state of anarchy when many TV stars voiced their displeasure on levying 12.5% service tax on the actors.

TV industry is a very difficult industry to survive in and not many actors can leave their mark in this cut throat competition and find it difficult to make ends meet. It is only unfair to have them pay an additional tax of 12.5 percent. Our sources inform us that actors have decided to bookmark 5th July 2012 as ' Strike against Service tax' and will not report to work.

Tellybuzz got in touch with Anas Rashid of Diya Aur Baati hum to know how he felt about the new tax that is levied –"We pay out tax to the government and we religiously do so. To pay additional service tax is a little harsh. I will support the 5th July movement."

Tellybuzz also spoke to Nia Sharma who plays spunky Maanvi in Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna hai –"This is totally ridiculous. They should take all our money and instead give us dole money – So that we can have breakfast , lunch and dinner. Initiative taken by the actors for 5th July is laudable and I will do my best to support it."

Karan Kundra was equally vocal and expressed his displeasure -"I dont support the service tax because on a daily basis I work with so many new actors who find it hard to make ends meet in this city. payments from pdoduction house come 75-90days from day of telecast and then there is competition. People are getting low 'per days' and on top of that cheque will come with a 12.5 percent deduction. it might not effect the top actors but think about the entire TV population. Look at politicians driving around in cars worth crores and their sons drive sportcars ad flaunt the security. How about imposing double tax on them? Why trouble the general public."


Reporter: Ranjini Nair,Medha Parashar
Author: Medha Parashar