Veteran actor and singer Ila Arun has voiced her disappointment over the deepening controversy within the Cine & TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA), saying the public disputes and allegations have hurt her as an artist who joined the organisation to safeguard the welfare of fellow performers.

Arun's Anguish Over the Infighting

Speaking openly about the situation, Ila said the in-fighting within CINTAA runs counter to the very purpose for which she became a member. 'I am saddened when an organisation like CINTAA fights with each other, or there is doubt or a dispute. I am an artist. I also made the CINTAA card to protect our interests. But all of this makes me feel sad,' she said.

The singer-actor stressed that regardless of the current turmoil, the truth would eventually emerge. 'That's why I think that whatever is happening, the truth will come out. We will know who is right and who is not. But whoever is coming, they should take care that they are taking on a big responsibility. Many people have faith in you. You should believe in them. You should not break their faith. Whatever Dilip Kumar, Asha Parekh and the great artists have built, may their dreams come true,' she added.

Hope for the Association's Future

Despite her sadness, Ila expressed cautious optimism about CINTAA's future direction and those voted into its leadership. 'I am excited because, as far as I can remember, CINTAA was made for the benefit of all senior artists. And I think that whoever comes, we have voted for different candidates, keeping their qualifications in mind. I hope that they will live up to our expectations and protect everyone's interests,' she said.

Paying tribute to the founders' legacy, she underscored the weight of the trust they placed in the organisation. 'CINTAA was made by such great people, Mr. Dilip Kumar and Asha Parekh ji. They were such great people. So, the faith with which they made this organisation, I hope that it will continue in the same way. I have voted with the same faith. I hope that all of them will work together and bring a good name to CINTAA,' she said.

The Controversy That Triggered the Crisis

The CINTAA dispute escalated significantly after 11 members of its executive committee resigned en masse, raising allegations of biased decision-making and demanding structural changes in the association's functioning. The resignations exposed long-running tensions over governance and transparency within the body that represents thousands of film and television artistes.

The situation worsened when former general secretary Upasana Singh levelled allegations against Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure over the association's management, funds, and the handling of CINTAA's official documents and records. These accusations widened the rift and drew public attention to what was previously an internal disagreement.

What This Means for Film and TV Artistes

Ila also noted that the fallout has extended beyond CINTAA's executive ranks, with members reportedly forming breakaway bodies and individuals facing public defamation. 'Recently, there have been a lot of problems in CINTAA. Many people who are associated with CINTAA are forming their own bodies. There are a lot of people who are being defamed,' she said.

The association, founded on the vision of industry stalwarts like Dilip Kumar and Asha Parekh, has long served as a welfare body for artistes seeking legal protection, healthcare support, and professional representation. Any prolonged factional dispute risks undermining that mission and eroding the confidence of artistes who depend on it.

With elections having taken place and new leadership expected to take charge, the coming weeks will reveal whether CINTAA can restore its credibility and honour the trust that its founders invested in it.