Actress and former office-bearer Upasana Singh has levelled serious allegations of repeated humiliation against senior members of the Cine and Television Artistes' Association (CINTAA), claiming that veteran actors Mukesh Rishi, Deepak Parashar, and Vikas Verma were disrespected during association meetings — at times to the point of tears and public outbursts. Her remarks have intensified an already bitter internal dispute gripping the Mumbai-based industry body.

Mukesh Rishi's AGM Outburst

According to Upasana, Mukesh Rishi arrived late to a CINTAA meeting due to Mumbai traffic and was allegedly told he would not be permitted to vote or raise his hand for that reason. She claims the cumulative effect of such treatment eventually pushed the otherwise soft-spoken actor to publicly vent his frustration.

'He had to scream in the AGM on the mic that, 'So much misbehaviour with me, how can you people do it?'' Upasana recalled. She described Rishi as inherently introverted, making the public outburst all the more telling of the alleged environment within the association.

Deepak Parashar Allegedly Turned Away from Press Conference

Upasana also described an alleged incident involving Deepak Parashar, who, at roughly 74 years of age and serving as the association's treasurer, was reportedly kept waiting outside a CINTAA press conference connected to a Hema Malini event. She alleged he knocked on the door but was not allowed in.

'Deepak Parashar ji was our treasurer and he is 74 years old and he has done so many films, kept knocking at the door but they did not open it for him. So he came and told me 'let's not go there, it is extremely insulting',' she quoted him as saying.

Upasana further highlighted what she described as Parashar's selfless dedication to his fellow CINTAA members, noting he would reportedly rise at 5 am and cook food for the executive committee during meetings over a period of two and a half years. 'Deepak ji is senior to them, he is elder to him, at every level. If he is a senior, then we should respect his regard,' she said.

Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure Accused of Keeping Distance

Upasana also alleged that Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure maintained an air of exclusivity within the organisation, claiming the two senior actresses would refuse to share a lift with other members. 'Poonam ji and Padmini ji would never even enter the same lift as others, claiming that they were stars,' she alleged.

Both Dhillon and Kolhapure have previously denied allegations made against them in connection with the CINTAA dispute and have publicly responded to the criticism. Their specific reaction to Upasana's latest allegations was not immediately available.

Vikas Verma Allegedly Belittled Over Language

Actor Vikas Verma, described by Upasana as the youngest among the group, was allegedly ridiculed for his limited English-language proficiency. 'Vikas Verma, the man who is always available for everybody and helps each one in need, was humiliated just because he did not know English and they did not consider him of their class and stature,' she said.

Upasana emphasised Verma's contributions to the film fraternity across multiple languages and noted that he runs an NGO that assists colleagues dealing with substance-abuse issues. 'He has been insulted so many times there. That boy has come out crying,' she said.

Background: CINTAA's Deepening Leadership Crisis

These allegations are part of a broader, escalating dispute over CINTAA's administration and leadership. In August, eight executive committee members resigned from the association — including Mukesh Rishi, Vikas Verma, and Deepak Parashar — citing concerns about decision-making processes and the functioning of the body. This is not the first time the association has been roiled by internal conflict, but the resignation of multiple senior members in a single bloc marks a significant escalation. With competing narratives now in the public domain, the association faces mounting pressure to address governance concerns transparently.