Abhimanyu Mathur (BOMBAY TIMES; September 15, 2018)

On a recent visit to Delhi, Kangana Ranaut joined some leading women’s rights advocates in an event that celebrated the power of women. Kangana, along with Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal, and social worker Shaina NC, and Gul Panag, took part in a roundtable discussion on how women can strike a balance while wearing different hats as part of the Xin Philanthropy Conference. The half-hour session saw participants share their ideas of feminism and draw from their personal experiences of working for women’s rights.

Beginning the session, Kangana said, “It is so shameful that we still have to fight for things like the right to wear what we want or simply the right to go out at the time we want to, without being judged. When you have to fight for what is obvious, it means the society is in a bad shape.” Talking about feminism, the actress added that people who act against women and the idea of feminism are the ones who deserve to be trolled on social media. Kangana said, “Most people misunderstand feminism. Feminism is an idea. But the world is not fair. You can’t expect that you will be readily given your rights and if something is right, it will come to you. That’s not how the world functions. And this is something that we need to agree on and fight for. And anybody who goes against it is someone who needs to be shamed. That is the kind of person you need to shame on social media, not the ones who are actively working for feminism.”

Swati Maliwal said that most people feel they can get away with what they say and do against women because there is no fear of repercussions. She said, “People have come to believe they can do whatever they want to a woman and the system can’t harm them.”

Actress Gul Panag, who was moderating the session, added, “Nothing will change unless women support other women. We tend to run other women down. That’s the default setting, that we don’t empower each other enough and we compete, which is a patriarchal hangover. Questioning the status quo is the first responsibility of our generation.”

As the conversation moved to the remarks and comments women face in the public sphere, Shaina NC said, “It was shocking. Women in India are sometimes viewed only as objects and used as items. It’s time we demystify this kind of an image of women and realise that on one hand, we talk about Saraswati, Durga, Lakshmi and worship women, and on the other hand, we just go out and abuse them. It’s a fight against a regressive, chauvinistic mindset.”

Divya Kaushik (BOMBAY TIMES; March 8, 2017)

BJP spokesperson wonders why the director didn’t lodge an FIR against protesting hooligans
Subhash K Jha (DNA; January 31, 2017)

While condemning the attack on Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the crew of Padmavati in Jaipur on Friday, the spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expresses deep regret at the filmmaker’s failure to do the right thing. “He should’ve lodged an FIR against the people responsible for this outrage. There would have been immediate action against the miscreants. The culprits would have been booked and taken into custody. By not registering an FIR, the director has done disservice to his film. This lack of action against criminal behaviour will encourage other fringe groups to take the law into their hands,” says BJP’s Shaina NC.

However, she is in full support of SLB. “I can understand his reluctance to take this matter any further. When you’ve gone through what he has, it is natural to be shaken.”

Shaina adds, “They are fringe sections doing their own thing and we certainly do not endorse their unruly behaviour.” When reminded that Bhansali was roughed up in a BJP-run state, Shaina says, “That’s true. But like I said for any action to be taken the director had to first report the matter. There will be an inquiry only then can action be taken. Also, if the miscreants had an issue regarding the film they should’ve taken legal recourse. We do not approve of lawless behaviour in a democracy.”

BJP’s spokesperson Shaina NC agrees with the opinion that Pakistani artistes should, at this delicate stage of escalated tension between the two countries, stay away from Bollywood
Shaina NC (DNA; December 14, 2016)

Shah Rukh Khan’s meeting with MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Monday to assure him that the Pakistani presence in Bollywood would be nullified effectively has not gone down well with many of his fans who feel the superstar has succumbed to political bullying.

BJP’s spokesperson Shaina NC agrees with the opinion that Pakistani artistes should, at this delicate stage of escalated tension between the two countries, stay away from Bollywood. “If Pakistan is exporting terror and terrorism to India we cannot import their artistes. It’s out of the question. I feel Pakistani artistes should willingly stay away until border issues are resolved as these issues concern people in both the counties,” says Shaina .

However, she admits that the embargo on Pakistani artistes doesn’t apply in retrospect. “If a Pakistani artiste agreed to be part of a Hindi film contractually and he or she had the relevant papers to be in this country, I don’t think any element has the right to stop that artiste from coming to India.”

However, Shaina feels there is no need for Mahira Khan to be in India to promote Raees. “The film can be marketed and promoted easily without Mahira. Why is there a need to even contemplate on her presence in India to promote the film when Shah Rukh Khan is the film’s hero? What did SRK hope to achieve by meeting Raj Thackeray?”

She doesn’t approve of Shah Rukh meeting with Raj Thackeray. “I don’t know what assurances Shah Rukh has gone to give Raj Thackeray. Because it is not in Raj Thackeray and his party MNS’ hands to control Indian outrage against the Pakistan presence in India and Bollywood. This is a matter for the Indian government to handle. Why should Raj Thackeray be consulted about it?”

Subhash K Jha (DNA; October 6, 2016)

Salman Khan’s statement that Pakistani artistes are not terrorists and that they should be allowed to work in India if they’ve proper visas, has raised a furore in some circles. However BJP spokesperson Shaina NC states, “Salman was asked a question. He answered it.”

In retaliation to the actor’s liberal comments about the Pakistani presence in Bollywood, MNS chief Raj Thackeray has threatened to ban Salman’s films and told him to get a work permit in Pakistan. Retorts Shaina, “This is a totally uncalled-for reaction. One shouldn’t piggyback on Salman’s stardom just to get noticed.”

About Salman’s father Salim Khan stepping in to defend his son Shaina says, “Salim saab is someone whose views I respect immensely. And I see nothing wrong in him giving his opinion as he is highly regarded both within and outside the film industry. And really, all argument as to what Salman meant by his remark ends with the question: Are we going to provide visas to Pakistanis in the near future? Clearly not! We gave visas when there was room for dialogue between the two countries. Now, there there is absolutely no room for interaction. Now, with Pakistan currently in denial mode, we see no room for any communication, at least not at the moment, on any level, economic, political or cultural.”

About Fawad Khan being wrongly accused of making anti-India statements Shaina says dismissively, “Who the hell cares what he said or didn’t say, as long as he had the decency to speak up against terrorism?As someone who has been working in India, he needs to condemn all acts of terror. By doing so, he wouldn’t be condemning his government.Why should he keep quiet about an act of terror in a country that has given him his identity?”

Shaina feels it’s time for healing. “Pakistan needs to pay heed to pressure from the world community and what it’s doing to its own country. There is no normalcy in Pakistan. And they need to accept that.”

Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 14, 2015)

On World Mental Health Day, the actress is hosting distinguished guests from the field of politics, sport, business, media, medicine and entertainment to discuss the issue and how to combat it
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 10, 2015)


October 10 is observed as World Mental Health Day with the idea of spreading awareness, discussing and debating concerned issues and mobilising support to make mental health care a reality. Keeping these objectives in mind, Deepika Padukone is hosting a high tea today to discuss the objectives of her foundation and its plans for the future with the country's decision makers.

This year, on March 21, the 29-yearold actress announced her foundation, Live Love Laugh. It was on this day last year, that she decided to seek professional help for depression. On August 6, she unveiled the logo.

Today's guests list includes distinguished dignitaries from across fields, including Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis. Other politicians are Aaditya Thackeray, president of the Yuva Sena, and Shaina NC, BJP spokesperson.

The world of sports will be represented by her father, Prakash Padukone and another badminton ace, Saina Nehwal, along with billiards champ Geet Sethi. Nita Ambani, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Nandan Nilekani, Kumar Mangalam Birla and Adi Godrej are among the corporate honchos.

From her own film fraternity, Deepika has invited the Khans, Aamir and Shah Rukh, filmmakers Shoojit Sircar and Ronnie Screwvala and lyricists Javed Akhtar and Prasoon Joshi to name a few.

There will also be a distinguished panel of doctors drawn from different parts of the country, including psychiatrist Dr Dayal Mirchandani, orthopedist Dr Mathew Varghese, acupuncturist Dr Tasneem Raja and consultant anaesthetist Dr Krish Ramachandran.

Also, present will be some of the biggest media barons.

Early this year, Deepika had surprised everyone by confessing to anxiety attacks, while shooting for Shah Rukh Khan's production, Happy New Year, in 2014. Despite being on a professional high, the actress had woken up one morning feeling "different", and despite her best efforts, the feeling wouldn't go away.

Finally, urged on by her mother, Ujjala, she turned to a psychologist friend from Bengaluru who diagnosed that Deepika was suffering from anxiety and depression. A second psychologist confirmed this. So, after wrapping up the film, she took a two-month break during which she underwent counselling and was prescribed medication.

On returning to Mumbai, she learnt that a friend, who was suffering from the same ailment, had committed suicide. That's when she realised that the illness was common to almost every household but remained largely untreated because of the stigma attached to it, The idea of the foundation grew from the need to encourage those going through a personal crisis to seek help from mental health specialists.

The high tea today is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the field of mental health, taken by someone from the entertainment industry. A source said, "All her guests have responded positively to her personal invitation. Many have confirmed their presence. Those not in town may send spouses and partners as representatives."

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 20, 2014)

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 26, 2014)

The Bharatiya Janata Party's Mumbai branch entered the world of glamour and greasepaint yesterday to launch a film union. It is headed by Shaina N C, a key party functionary who is well connected in the film world. There were mixed reactions from Bollywood to the union.

Kulmeet Makkar, CEO, Film & TV Producers Guild, insists that it is a step taken to appease the vote bank. But filmmaker Shekhar Kapur sees it as a positive sign for the film industry. "Why shouldn't we have a union backed by the strongest political party in the country which registered a swashbuckling win in the Lok Sabha polls?" he argued.

Another filmmaker, Vipul Shah, said that he will form an opinion after reading the union's agenda document. And even the usually frank Mahesh Bhatt doesn't want to "pre-judge anybody".

However, activist-producer Ashoke Pandit was vocal in his reservations, saying, "Don't we have enough associations for the film fraternity already? BJP MPs Shatrughan Sinha, Hema Malini and Paresh Rawal should make a difference in the Parliament. The party at the centre should concentrate more on problems pertaining to the common man." 
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Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; July 26, 2014)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has now launched a film mazdoor union. The union was launched on Friday evening at the BJP Dadar Hall. The union will be headed by BJP leader, Shaina NC, who is also a fashion designer and has been closely associated with the film industry. Sandeep Dighe of the BJP will also play a key role in the union. The union’s cine wing will be called BJP Kaamgaar Morcha’s BJP Chitrapat Union.

On her part, Shaina NC, who has organised several meetings between members of the film and television industry and Information & Broadcasting minister, Prakash Javdekar, wants to focus on the well- being of women in the film industry.

She says, “Women working in the film industry need to get perks that they deserve. They are entitled to pregnancy leave and good sanitation facilities and — this will be our area of focus. The goal is to get them their rights. Unlike other unions, we don’t intend to disrupt shoots and vandalise film and TV sets. We intend to become the bridge between the film and TV industry and the workers’ union.’’ The union plans to offer PPF facility, life insurance and Mediclaim to all its members.

Shaina says, “The membership fees start at Rs 1,000 per year depending on the department of filmmaking.” Some of the film fraternity members invited for the launch were Subhash Ghai, Manish Goswami, Dalip Tahil, Shashi Ranjan and Kiran Shantaram.

It may be pointed out that several political parties, including the Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and NCP, have their own mazdoor unions in the industry. It remains to be seen whether the film and TV industry will lap up what the BJP’s cine cell is putting up on offer.

With leaders from the film and television world all set to meet the new I& B minister, Prakash Javadekar, on June 7, we take a look at what the industry is expecting from the central government
Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; June 4, 2014)

With the new government taking office, the film and television industry is hoping to get an audience with Prakash Javadekar, the newly appointed Information and Broadcasting minister. Javadekar, who was in Mumbai a few days ago, told hitlist, “I will be back in Mumbai on June 7 and I will meet them then.”

BJP leader Shaina NC, who is coordinating the meeting, says, “As a party we realise the need for a dialogue with the industry and keeping this in mind, the BJP wants to initiate an interaction with the art and cultural fraternity.”

Creative freedom
Mukesh Bhatt says that as the President of the Film and Television Producers’ Guild, he has made several presentations to the government but these have yielded no results so far. He now wants the new government to partner with them.

The producer says, “There are many issues that need to be addressed. First and foremost is the creative problem; it’s about censorship. There are fears that the Bajrang Dal and the RSS might throttle our creative freedom. Also, we need the ministry to help us build more cinema halls across the country. And last but not the least, there is a need to create a bond between the government and industry. We need to nurture a spirit of togetherness and not us against them only then can healthy growth happen.”

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap too is looking forward to meeting the minister. “But I don’t want to say what I
want to ask the minister because I want to prepare for the meeting and use this opportunity well.”

Tax breaks
Actress and producer Dia Mirza has a long list to spell out. She says, “It is imperative for the Censor Board to accommodate the freedom of expression of artistes. A film must be given a suitable certificate. Strict implementation must happen at a theatre level to ensure that only those of suitable age watch films with different certifications. After that the audience must be allowed to accept or reject content, much like they do with governments and candidates.”

She also wants the government to give the industry genuine tax breaks. “We are an industry that adds to our diversity; we contribute to the national exchequer and provide employment. Plus filmmaking and theatrical distribution are only becoming more expensive by the day. It’s time for the tax structure to be revised; obtaining permissions to shoot needs to be made simpler. The government should encourage our efforts as opposed to having us run from pillar to post just to meet some formalities,” she says.

Tigmanshu Dhulia says that the ministry should look at revising entertainment tax. “Films are made in Mumbai and yet the entertainment tax in Maharashtra is the highest. There is no tax in Punjab and so the films released in that territory generate good revenue. Also, the government is only levying taxes but what are they doing about piracy or subsidised theatres. They should look at the industry with a more compassionate view. There has to be a slab on service tax because there is so much disparity in the income of people involved in filmmaking,” says the filmmaker.

Digitisation and piracy
Television industry too has some concerns. Raj Nayak, CEO, Colors, says, “As a BJP spokesperson, Mr Javadekar has developed robust relations with the media and the masses. This gives him the edge to constantly know the pulse of the people. He is known to advocate freedom of speech, which gives us hope that he will expedite solutions on issues pertaining to the media and entertainment sector. Pricing deregulation, digitisation and discrepancies in clearance mechanisms are some of the issues that need to be addressed to help the industry gain momentum.”

Uday Singh, Managing Director, Motion Picture Dist.Association (India) Private Limited, says that the prevailing complex tax system, development needs in terms of infrastructure, technology and talent, and most importantly, piracy continue to undermine the industry’s growth potential. “While the government’s steps on the digitisation of cable TV continue, we want the government to implement specific anti-camcording provisions in the upcoming Draft Cinematograph Bill, 2013, and promote and institutionalise the ‘single window clearance system’ for film shooting in India,” he says.

With mobile penetration continuing to increase and more users now having access to 3G/ 4G internet speeds, Singh adds that combating online piracy is the need of the hour.