Technicians working in Kolkata’s Tollywood film industry have raised objections over the involvement of Bangladeshi actors and filmmakers, alleging concerns over employment opportunities and recognition, an issue later addressed by actor and West Bengal politician Rudranil Ghosh following a meeting with industry representatives in Kolkata, India.
The concerns were voiced during a discussion at the Technicians’ Studio involving workers from various departments of the Bengali film industry, where participants claimed that Bangladeshi artists have been working regularly in Kolkata while local technicians are not receiving adequate opportunities or fair compensation.
During the meeting, a senior technician from the art direction department said Bangladeshi performers and crew members are frequently working in Kolkata productions, while local workers feel deprived of both opportunity and recognition. He also claimed that Bangladeshi producers benefit from such collaborations while Indian technicians remain disadvantaged.
The technician further expressed concern that Bangladeshi collaborators may gain access to internal industry information, warning that this could potentially have long-term implications for the local industry.
Responding to questions from journalists, Rudranil Ghosh said the matter is sensitive and linked to international relations, adding that no immediate decision could be taken at a local level meeting. He stated that any final decision would depend on bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh and would fall under the jurisdiction of the central government.
However, he assured that he would bring the concerns of local technicians and artists to the attention of central leadership.
The meeting is being seen within Tollywood circles as a sign of growing tensions, with industry observers suggesting that long-standing concerns are now becoming more openly discussed.
Discussions are expected to continue regarding the future of cross-border cultural exchange and employment opportunities in the film sector.
