In recent years, Bollywood has been undergoing a tumultuous period. With social media constantly calling for boycotts of Bollywood films and succeeding, it can only be said that the industry is suffering. Now, the Bollywood union has claimed that local artists and film crew members also suffer due to foreign artists and crew replacing them in Bollywood.
According to PTI reports, many foreign artists work illegally in Bollywood without the proper work permits. The Bollywood union members have accused the Mumbai police of acting negligently in this case.
The Bollywood film industry is hiring more and more overseas experts and artists for roles related to cinematography, scriptwriting, junior artists, and dancers. In most cases, these individuals are being hired from countries like the UK, Russia, and Uzbekistan, among others.
Foreigners have taken over the jobs of Indians, who originally had the lion’s share of representation in positions like make-up artists, hair stylists, dancers, action directors, stunt performers, costume designers, art directors, and technicians.
The chairman of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), Ashok Dubey, stated to PTI that Indians are losing employment opportunities due to illegal foreigners working in Bollywood. The FWICE comprises three lakh members.
“Producers hire these foreign artists and crew members. Nearly 90 percent of foreigners working within the Indian movie trade are working illegally. These foreigners are working in movies with tourist visas instead of the proper work permit,” said Dubey.
The union crew members have objected to the whole issue, as they believe foreign artists should be banned. This is similar to how Pakistani actors and technicians are not allowed to work in the Indian movie trade. The union members also stated that they have complained about the issue to the Mumbai police, but to no avail. At present, the exact number of foreigners working in Bollywood and Tollywood is not known.
Nora Fatehi is a Moroccan-Canadian actress who is famous for her dance performances in reality shows and Bollywood movies. Photo: Collected