Archive · 24 Aug 2026
CINTAA Leaders Deny Dictatorship and Financial Irregularity Allegations
CINTAA is a group that represents cinema and television artists.
Its General Secretary, Upasana Singh, accused two senior leaders of using too much power.
She and other members also raised concerns about how decisions and money were handled.
Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure said these accusations were false.
They said all collected money is recorded and sent to the people or causes meant to receive it.
They also said no money is used for their personal benefit.
Eleven of the group’s 21 committee members resigned earlier this month.
The departing members asked for new elections and said important decisions were being made by only a few people.
Singh also said disagreements involved disciplinary actions against artists.
General Secretary Upasana Singh accused CINTAA leaders Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure of dictatorship and misuse of power.
Dhillon and Kolhapure rejected the allegations, saying CINTAA’s funds are fully accounted for and not used personally.
They said contributions are directed responsibly to their intended beneficiaries and causes, and that they oppose unlawful conduct.
Eleven of CINTAA’s 21 Executive Committee members resigned earlier this month and called for fresh elections.
The departing members alleged that decision-making was concentrated among a few leaders and cited independent communications and disciplinary disputes.
- Who
- CINTAA General Secretary Upasana Singh, President Poonam Dhillon, Senior Vice President Padmini Kolhapure and 11 resigned Executive Committee members.
- What
- A dispute over alleged dictatorship, financial irregularities, decision-making and disciplinary practices within CINTAA.
- When
- The resignations occurred earlier this month, while Dhillon and Kolhapure responded at a recent press conference.
- Where
- Within the Cine and TV Artistes Association; the press conference location was not specified.
- Why
- The resigning members and Singh raised concerns about concentrated decision-making and the association’s functioning, while Dhillon and Kolhapure denied wrongdoing and defended their financial and administrative conduct.
Critics and Resigning Members
Dhillon and Kolhapure’s Response
Leadership and decision-making
Critics and Resigning Members
Upasana Singh and the reportedly resigned members alleged that CINTAA’s decision-making had become concentrated among Poonam Dhillon, Padmini Kolhapure and some other committee members, reducing its democratic character.
Dhillon and Kolhapure’s Response
Dhillon and Kolhapure rejected the allegations as baseless and said their work is grounded in transparency, accountability and facts.
Financial handling
Critics and Resigning Members
The dispute included allegations of financial irregularities and concerns about how the association was functioning and handling contributions.
Dhillon and Kolhapure’s Response
Dhillon and Kolhapure said every penny raised is accounted for, reaches its rightful beneficiary and is not used for personal gain.
Authority and internal procedures
Critics and Resigning Members
Resigning members alleged that Dhillon made some key decisions independently, including communications with government officials and industry bodies. Singh separately cited disagreements over disciplinary actions and show-cause notices issued to artists who allegedly disagreed.
Dhillon and Kolhapure’s Response
Dhillon and Kolhapure said they have zero tolerance for anything illegal or unconstitutional, but their quoted responses did not specifically address each communication or disciplinary allegation.
- Organization
- Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA)
- Executive Committee
- 21 members
- Resignations
- 11 members resigned earlier this month
- Requested action
- Fresh elections
- General Secretary
- Upasana Singh
- President
- Poonam Dhillon
- Senior Vice President
- Padmini Kolhapure
- Financial response
- Dhillon and Kolhapure said funds are fully accounted for and not used for personal gain
