AICWA urges Bollywood to give 'Josh' actor Sharad Kapoor work
Synopsis
A viral video of 'Josh' actor Sharad Kapoor handing over his dogs to an NGO due to ill health has moved Bollywood — and now AICWA is turning emotion into action, formally appealing to filmmakers and celebrities to put him back to work. At 50, Sharad's predicament has also reignited a larger conversation about the industry's invisible workforce crisis.
Key Takeaways
AICWA President Suresh Shyamla Gupta has publicly appealed to Bollywood filmmakers to offer work to actor Sharad Kapoor , known for his role in 'Josh' .
A viral video of Sharad surrendering his dogs to an NGO due to failing health sparked widespread concern.
Actor Jaya Bhattacharya visited Sharad and shared a video in which he appealed directly to CINTAA for work opportunities.
Sharad, aged 50 , said in the video that 'money is not the issue' — he simply wants to work again.
AICWA flagged the broader industry crisis, noting that work is scarce and many actors and technicians face an uncertain future.
The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has made a heartfelt public appeal to Bollywood filmmakers and industry insiders to offer work to veteran actor Sharad Kapoor, best known for his role in the film 'Josh', after a video showing his difficult personal circumstances went viral on social media.
The Appeal From AICWA
Suresh Shyamla Gupta, President of the All India Cine Workers Association, shared a video urging prominent filmmakers and celebrities to extend professional support to Sharad. In the clip, he was candid about the brutal unpredictability of the film business.
'He is only 50 years old. Today he needs us. And a black truth is that you will get one job in the industry today and another job after 10 days or after 1 year or after 2 years or not. This is the biggest black truth. There is no guarantee of work, nor is there a guarantee of life for the safety of the industry. That's why everyone should support Sharad Kapoor. Because today he really needs us, and you must have seen this situation in the industry many times,' Suresh said.
He further noted the broader crisis gripping the industry: 'Many times, actors and workers are coming forward because the industry is in a very bad situation. There is very little work, and their future is also in great danger because how long will they get work? At what age will they get work? There is always a big question. That's why we should help Sharad Kapoor. This is what is going on in our industry today. So today we have to stand with him.'
What Triggered the Outpouring
The appeal follows a video that surfaced on social media showing Sharad Kapoor handing over his beloved dogs to an NGO for care, reportedly because his deteriorating health had made it difficult for him to look after them. The video struck an emotional chord with viewers and quickly gained traction online, drawing widespread sympathy from fans and fellow industry members.
Jaya Bhattacharya Visits, Sharad Speaks Out
In the wake of the viral footage, actor Jaya Bhattacharya paid a personal visit to Sharad and subsequently shared a video on her Instagram in which he directly appealed to CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes' Association) for professional opportunities.
'I want to appeal to CINTAA that I am looking for good work. And I need your support, and I know you have always supported people around you. A little bit of moral support is also enough for me. I am a great actor and you know that. Money is not the issue. The only issue is I am just looking forward to start work again,' Sharad said in the video.
A Wider Crisis in the Industry
Sharad Kapoor's situation is not an isolated one. AICWA's intervention reflects a recurring and largely under-reported reality — that many actors and technicians who once had steady careers now find themselves without consistent employment. The association has previously flagged irregular work cycles and the absence of any social security net as systemic problems. This appeal underscores how fragile livelihoods remain even for those who have held recognisable screen presence. How the industry responds in the coming weeks will be closely watched.
Point of View
Yet offers no structural safety net to the thousands of artists whose careers wax and wane with the tide of casting decisions. AICWA's repeated public appeals — always emotional, rarely resulting in policy change — reveal the limits of goodwill as a welfare mechanism. The real question is whether the industry's guilds and studios will move from viral sympathy to sustained employment, or whether this, like past appeals, fades once the news cycle moves on.
NationPress
14 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sharad Kapoor and why is he in the news?
Sharad Kapoor is an Indian actor best known for his role in the Bollywood film 'Josh'. He is in the news after a video showing him surrendering his pet dogs to an NGO due to declining health went viral, prompting AICWA to appeal on his behalf for work opportunities.
What has AICWA said about Sharad Kapoor?
AICWA President Suresh Shyamla Gupta shared a video urging filmmakers and celebrities to offer Sharad Kapoor professional work. He emphasised that Sharad, at 50, is in genuine need and highlighted the broader issue of erratic employment in the film industry.
What did Sharad Kapoor say in his appeal to CINTAA?
In a video shared by actor Jaya Bhattacharya on Instagram after she visited him, Sharad appealed directly to CINTAA for good work. He said, 'Money is not the issue. The only issue is I am just looking forward to start work again.'
Why did Sharad Kapoor give away his dogs?
According to reports, Sharad Kapoor handed over his dogs to an NGO for care because his health has not been keeping well, making it difficult for him to look after them personally. The video of this moment went viral and drew widespread sympathy.
Does Sharad Kapoor's case reflect a larger Bollywood problem?
Yes. AICWA has indicated that many actors and technicians are facing a severe shortage of work, with no guarantee of employment or financial security. Sharad's case has reignited debate about the absence of a structured welfare system for film industry workers in India.
