Bollywood veteran Anil Kapoor stepped out in Mumbai on Wednesday afternoon to cast his vote in the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) Executive Committee elections. The actor was seen in high spirits, posing for the cameras alongside fellow industry stalwarts Rakesh Bedi, Padmini Kolhapure, and Poonam Dhillon while proudly showing off their inked fingers. The atmosphere was notably upbeat, with stars treating the event as a significant gathering for the artist community.
The election process has been marred by intense controversy in recent weeks, with several factions opposing the proceedings. Poonam Dhillon highlighted the legal hurdles faced by the association, noting that members had to approach the court to ensure their right to conduct the elections independently. Despite the negativity and rumors regarding stay orders aimed at discouraging voter turnout, Dhillon expressed satisfaction at seeing members turn up in large numbers to exercise their franchise.
Padmini Kolhapure echoed these sentiments, describing the day as a cheerful social gathering that coincided with the festive spirit of Dussehra. Meanwhile, Rakesh Bedi, who is running for a position on the committee, emphasized his desire to drive necessary changes within the organization. He expressed hope that the newly elected body would effectively resolve long-standing legal matters and prioritize the best interests of all members.
The internal conflict within CINTAA, which represents a vast number of film and television artists, has been building since August. The disputes, which involve prominent names like Upasana Singh alongside Dhillon and Kolhapure, center on critical issues such as financial transparency, leadership accountability, and the maintenance of official records. Actors like Ayub Khan and Kanwarjit Paintal also weighed in, stressing that regardless of the ongoing debate, it remains vital for the association to have a stable, independent committee to provide clear direction and protect the future of its members.