Arun Jaitley's Budget disappoints Bollywood

The Union Budget presented by the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has disappointed quite a number of Bollywood personalities. B-Town expected that the government would reform the entertainment tax this year but it seems that the budget has failed to impress.

Ronnie Screwvala - Corporate giant

I think a budget is supposed to give a statement of growth and forward looking aspects, a statement of government's priority. I think if there's levy on indirect taxes, which actually talk about reducingcorporate tax in next four years. Entertainment tax is above service tax so we already have a problem with double tax- entertainment tax and service tax, which needs to be dealt separately.

Komal Nahta - Trade analyst

See the service tax has been imposed on the film industry, so I don't think it is a beneficial one to our industry. It hasn't met up to our expectations, which is not the sign of relief.

Atul Mohan - Trade expert

There is no benefit to the film industry at all. In fact, the rise in the service tax has increased the burden on film industry. We are not at all satisfied. We were expecting some kind of relief in entertainment tax and some other beneficial packages from the government for the industry.

Akshay Rathi - Film exhibitor and distributor

As far as the budget is concerned, whenever a new government comes certain changes are bound to happen. As far as the entertainment sector is concerned nothing much has been given to us in terms of tax benefit. As it is most of the time entertainment sector is neglected. However, the central government doesn't decide entertainment tax the state government decides it. Therefore, it depends what the state government has in store, the issue is the biggies like Eros and Reliance show such big picture of the industry they start releasing 100 crore club ads that gives a wrong image to the ministry. The minsters feel entertainment sector has lots of moment but that is not true.

Mahesh Bhatt - Veteran filmmaker and producer

Well, some initial response from the industry insiders, which I have heard there seem to be a divided house. Some are saying that this is an added burden to the film industry. The service tax issue that has been increased is going to make changes. Economically things are going to be more difficult. I was also told that in the distribution sector the service tax has come back so definitely that's not good news for the entertainment sector.