Actress Upasana Singh has alleged that she faced repeated humiliation during meetings of the Cine and Television Artistes' Association (CINTAA), including being dismissed as 'Tom, Dick and Harry' for not knowing English and being told by fellow members — reportedly Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure — that she was 'merely a character artist' while they were stars. The allegations, made in a recent public statement, have reignited scrutiny over internal governance at one of Bollywood's most prominent industry bodies.

Why Upasana Joined CINTAA

Singh said her decision to work for the welfare of film fraternity members through CINTAA was rooted in gratitude toward an industry that had given her a platform from humble beginnings. 'I came here because I got a lot from the industry. I started from zero. I am a resident of Shyarpur, a small place,' she said. 'Today, if people know me all over the world, it is because of my career.' She added that her intent was to serve not just actors but all technicians and workers within the film industry.

The Alleged Insults at CINTAA Meetings

Describing the treatment she and other members allegedly endured, Singh said the hostility was sustained and demeaning. 'So many insulting things happened with us. I was called Tom, Dick and Harry. I was told, 'You are a character artist and I am a star.' Such words were used for me,' she alleged. She urged people to review the official minutes of CINTAA meetings, suggesting that documentary evidence of the conduct exists. 'If you ever get time and the committee comes, then definitely see the minutes,' she said.

Deepak Parashar Incident and CP Thakur

Singh also recounted a particularly distressing episode involving actor Deepak Parashar, whom she alleged was reduced to tears following a 'rude' interaction with CP Thakur. 'Deepak Parashar left crying. CP Thakur talked to him so rudely. After that, I had to take him to the hospital. He started having pain,' she said. Singh claimed that she and others had endured such treatment for 'two and a half years', and suggested that the sustained pressure eventually led to resignations from the body.

Background: CINTAA Tensions

Singh had previously spoken publicly about her differences with Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure over the functioning of CINTAA. She had alleged that she felt disrespected during interactions with certain members and had raised concerns about how actors were treated within the organisation. The latest statements represent a more detailed account of those grievances. Notably, none of the parties named — Dhillon, Kolhapure, or Thakur — have publicly responded to the specific allegations as of the time of reporting.

What This Means for CINTAA

The controversy puts a spotlight on internal power dynamics at CINTAA, an association that is meant to protect the interests of artists and technicians in India's film and television industry. Critics argue that if allegations of language-based discrimination and hierarchical bullying within a welfare body go unaddressed, it undermines the very purpose of such organisations. The call to examine official meeting minutes, if acted upon, could mark a significant accountability moment for the association.