“Have Some Mercy….,” Jaya Bachchan Slams Government, Demands Support For Film Industry

Veteran actress-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan has strongly criticized the government, urging it to show “mercy” on the film industry. Addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, the Samajwadi Party MP directly questioned Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the Union Budget 2025, accusing the government of neglecting Bollywood and pushing it towards collapse.

Expressing her disappointment, Jaya Bachchan claimed that successive governments have continuously ignored the entertainment industry, but this time, the situation has worsened. She argued that single-screen theatres are shutting down at an alarming rate, making it increasingly difficult for people to afford a trip to the movies. “One industry has been totally ignored by you, and previous governments did the same. But today, you have taken it to another level. You only use the film industry for your own purposes, and now you are trying to kill it completely,” she stated, as reported by a leading publication.

Highlighting the financial strain on the industry, she pointed out that exorbitant costs and GST have driven audiences away from theatres. She emphasized that cinema is not just a business but a cultural bridge that connects India to the world. “This is the only industry that brings the entire world to India, yet you are pushing it towards destruction,” she added.

Jaya Bachchan passionately pleaded with the government to reconsider its approach, stating, “I speak on behalf of my industry and urge this House to spare the film industry. Have some mercy. You have already started targeting cinema—please don’t do this.” She directly appealed to the Finance Minister, urging her to introduce measures that would help sustain the industry instead of letting it fade away.

Amidst her strong political stance, Jaya Bachchan is also preparing for her upcoming film, Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling, where she will share the screen with Siddhant Chaturvedi and Wamiqa Gabbi. Directed by Vikas Bahl and produced by Ramesh Taurani, Harman Baweja, Rohandeep Singh, Viraj Sawant, and Ramesh Pulapaka, the film is set for a theatrical release later this year.