Bollywood reacts to Budget

By Subhash K. Jha -

July 14, 2014 - 10:47 AM IST

Prasoon Joshi: "It's a growth-oriented and sensitive budget. It is a statement of intent that has realistically touched upon important sectors and segments. The thrust on infrastructure and agriculture, manufacturing and rationalization of duties on input costs is welcome. From focus on electrification, defence or aspects like Swach Bharat, protection of women, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, allocation of the sports universities and for artisans and simple measures like Braille on the notes for the visually impaired, all these measures reflect that the Government has socio-economic vision and credible intentions even at the micro level. Of course, there will always be more to ask for in terms of corporate or personal income-tax and requirements for our specific industries. But we need to perceive whether holistically the economy is on the right track and whether we are moving responsibly and progressively in the direction of economic revival.

Tigmanshu Dhulia : "It's a mild budget. Was expecting a radical one from hardliners! But there is nothing here for us in the film industry."

Bollywood reacts to Budget

Ronit Roy: "It's a very pragmatic budget with a strong focus on growth. Good promises like the GST are there. For a young government I think their thought processes are on the right track."

Vipul Shah: "I am disappointed that nothing has been done for the film and television industry except for the FTII and the Satyajit Ray institute getting a status. We needed much more. But in the national interest, I celebrate this budget. Aachche din aa rahe hain....It's a very competent budget. It reads like the road map to the growth of the country. The Finance Minister has kept in mind almost every segment of the society. This is the first government to pay attention to the North East. Neglected areas like organic farming in Manipur to Zari work of Bareilly has been tackled. The budget has a vision for a new India, and never mind if our entertainment industry has got left behind."

Hansal Mehta: "It is a responsible budget and not a populist one. Nothing really significant for anybody except the big investors. I am disappointed that the film and television industries are totally ignored. We will continue to pay entertainment tax and income tax and get nothing ploughed back into the industry. What we need is a stronger lobby from the entertainment industry."

Victor Bannerjee: "The BJP has the guts to credit and maintain what was good from the past regime, and to not deceive the junta. The current government also has the courage to do what is fiscally necessary for the exclusive good of our poorest brethren and farmers. The nation's focus must shift to the poorest. And it is happening."

Subhash Ghai: "It's a balanced budget. Kuch naya hai kuch purana.. Prominence has been given to the FDI(the foreign direct investment), the farmers and for education."