Asha Parekh quits as cine artistes’ association chief

Mumbai, April 16: Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, Asha Parekh, has resigned as chairperson of the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association along with the general secretary, Ram Mohan, and actress Shammi. Ram Mohan told Newsline that they had resigned due to “a difference of opinion with some committee members”.

It is learnt that the younger generation of members wanted an open debate on the functioning of the association and non-payment of dues by TV serial maker Sunil Agnihotri. Parekh had managed to recover 20 per cent of the dues from Agnihotri and a rift had been created over this issue, he said.

While Parekh had taken over as chairperson six years ago, Mohan had been general secretary since the last four years. During this period, they were able to set up a trust with a fund of Rs 2 crore which is utilised for giving pension and medical aid to old and needy artistes.

Due to the active support from Parekh and actor Amrish Puri, they were able to raise funds for the trust by holding shows and getting donations. During their tenure, veteran artistes were felicitated at the Annual General Body meeting. Earlier, the body was known as the Cine Artistes’ Association. Four years ago, even TV artistes were included.