Pankaj Bhatia's Unpaid Dues: A Systemic Issue in the Television Industry
Actor Pankaj Bhatia, renowned for his contributions to shows like Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, recently took to social media to voice his concerns regarding unpaid dues for one of his shows that have remained unsettled for over a year. The issue, unfortunately, extends beyond Bhatia's individual predicament, affecting an estimated 50-60 fellow actors who have also been deprived of their rightful remuneration.
The intent of my video was to bring awareness to the channel and those responsible for its policies, Bhatia explains, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency in the industry.
Bhatia sheds light on the current situation, where channels allot final payments to producers upon the conclusion of a show. However, instead of prioritizing the clearance of actors' dues, producers frequently embark on new projects, leaving actors in a state of financial limbo.
My concern extends beyond overdue payments to the policies implemented by the channel, Bhatia emphasizes. There seems to be a lack of oversight to ensure that the funds allocated by the channel are being channeled to the actors accordingly.
Bhatia notes that prior to 2011-2012, producers were required to obtain clearance certificates from all actors before commencing their next project. This ensured that actors' dues were settled before moving on to new ventures. However, this practice has since been abandoned.
Bhatia refrains from disclosing the specific show or producers involved in the payment dispute, stating that he is currently engaged in discussions with them to resolve the matter amicably. He confirms that his dues have only been cleared up to April 2023, despite the show concluding in the latter half of 2023.
I am in constant communication with the producers, and they have provided me with a timeline for settlement, Bhatia says. In recent months, they too have encountered financial challenges. While they are committed to fulfilling their obligations, it may not be practical to clear all dues simultaneously. Despite their circumstances, I must prioritize meeting my own financial commitments, such as my daughter's education expenses.
Should the producers fail to adhere to the agreed-upon payment schedule, Bhatia indicates that he will seek assistance from industry associations like the Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) to resolve the matter.
The situation faced by Bhatia and his fellow actors underscores a systemic issue within the television industry. Without robust policies and effective enforcement mechanisms, actors' livelihoods and well-being remain vulnerable to exploitation. Bhatia's advocacy for transparency and accountability serves as a catalyst for change, urging both channels and producers to assume their ethical and contractual responsibilities towards the artists who breathe life into their productions.
