Veteran actor Chunky Panday has opened up about his experience with the Film and Television Artistes' Guild, recalling how he faced a ban from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) while established superstars like Dharmendra and Shatrughan Sinha remained untouched by similar actions.
The actor's revelations come amid renewed attention on industry bodies following FWICE's non-cooperation directive related to Ranveer Singh's departure from Don 3. Panday's comments highlight what he perceives as a two-tier system within Bollywood, where lesser-known actors face stricter consequences compared to their superstar counterparts.
FWICE, which represents various film industry workers' unions, has historically issued directives against actors and producers over contractual disputes and professional conduct. However, Panday's recollections suggest that enforcement has often been inconsistent, with bigger names wielding enough influence to avoid serious repercussions.
The issue resonates across India's entertainment industry, from Mumbai's film studios to Bihar's growing regional cinema sector, where questions about equitable treatment of artists continue to surface. As Bollywood grapples with changing power dynamics and increased scrutiny of industry practices, Panday's candid admission serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by mid-tier actors navigating the complex web of film industry regulations and unwritten hierarchies.