You are trying to kill Bollywood: Jaya Bachchan attacks government in Rajya Sabha

Veteran actress and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan made a fiery statement in Parliament, claiming that the government is deliberately sidelining Bollywood. Speaking during the Union Budget discussion, she alleged that the entertainment industry has been ignored for years and is now being pushed to the brink. Bachchan demanded urgent relief, citing the closure of single-screen theatres and soaring costs driving audiences away from cinemas.

Jaya Bachchan’s explosive claims in Rajya Sabha

Addressing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Budget 2025 discussion, Jaya Bachchan minced no words in criticizing the government’s apathy toward Bollywood. She stated that successive governments have neglected the film industry, but the current administration has taken this disregard "to the next level."

"One industry has been totally ignored by you, and other governments were also doing the same. But today, you have totally ignored the film and entertainment industry because you only use them for your own purpose,"Bachchan said in the Rajya Sabha. She highlighted the rapid closure of single-screen theatres and the rising costs of movie-watching, which are deterring audiences from cinemas.

"Today, leave aside GST, all the single screens are shutting down. People are not going to movie halls because everything has become so costly. Perhaps you want to kill this industry altogether. This is the only industry that connects the entire world to India."

Jaya Bachchan's appeal to the Government

Jaya Bachchan passionately urged the government to intervene and provide financial support for the struggling film industry. "I am speaking on behalf of my film industry and making a request to this House on behalf of the audio-visual industry please spare them. Please have some mercy for them. You are trying to kill this industry. Please do not do this."

The actress turned politician concluded by directly appealing to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging her to introduce measures to help the industry survive."I request the Finance Minister to consider and please bring something to help this industry survive."

A Struggling industry in need of rescue

Jaya Bachchan’s statements echo growing concerns in Bollywood, where filmmakers and theatre owners are struggling with financial losses. The rise of OTT platforms, coupled with inflation and high GST rates, has led to dwindling footfalls in cinemas. Many single-screen theatres, once the backbone of India’s film industry, are shutting down due to lack of support.

On the professional front, Jaya Bachchan will soon be seen in Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling, alongside Siddhant Chaturvedi and Wamiqa Gabbi. Directed by Vikas Bahl, the film is produced by Ramesh Taurani, Harman Baweja, and others. It is set to release in theatres later this year.