Upasana Singh Takes Charge as CINTAA President After Court Win: Rs 73 Lakh FD Row, Contempt Plea and a Hawan to Start Afresh -

Months of mutiny, rival elections and police complaints later, the actor’s team takes the hot seat, and a big hearing looms on November 18.

MUMBAI: Some boardroom battles are fought with files. This one was fought with resignation letters, a tempo, a police complaint and, finally, a court order. Upasana Singh has taken charge as president of the Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA), and she says the courtroom decided it in her favour.

Note: For optimal viewing on mobile devices, rotate the screen.

Her committee formally took over on October 27, and they started with a hawan to mark what Upasana calls a fresh beginning after months of negativity.

Note: For optimal viewing on mobile devices, rotate the screen.

What Upasana Is Saying

In an interaction with Hindustan Times, Upasana said the court ruled in her favour, clearing the way for her team to take charge. “After such a long fight, when everyone said that Upasana Singh should be the president, it showed the confidence people have in me,” she said, adding that she looks forward to working with them for the betterment of the organisation.

She also made a bold claim about the money. According to Upasana, the person who looked after CINTAA’s accounts told her team that fixed deposits worth Rs 73 lakh had been broken. She says four banks did not allow the accounts to operate freely, but Punjab National Bank opened an account and the money was transferred there. These are her allegations, and they are central to the dispute.

The Contempt Twist

Then comes the legal drama. Upasana says the court decision was supposed to come on October 26, but the rival camp conducted an election on October 20. On October 21, her side filed a contempt petition. She says the judge was very upset and asked the other side to explain how this did not amount to contempt of court. Padmini and Poonam, she says, have to give their explanation on November 18.

That date is now the next big marker in the saga.

How We Got Here: A Timeline of Chaos

The CINTAA row has been building for months.

August: Eleven Executive Committee members resigned with immediate effect, alleging that President Poonam Dhillon and Senior Vice-President Padmini Kolhapure misused their positions. The resigning members wanted the Registrar to step in and oversee fresh elections. Dhillon and Kolhapure rejected the accusations. At an August 24 press conference, Dhillon called the allegations baseless and said funds raised by CINTAA were accounted for, with no money used for personal gain.
September 11-12: The feud took a dramatic turn when a video showed Upasana, Dhillon and Kolhapure at CINTAA’s premises with police. Upasana alleged that the two were trying to take association documents out in a tempo, and she filed a police complaint. These claims were made by Upasana and have not been independently established as fact. Dhillon’s side has said it was safeguarding members’ documents.
September 12: A re-election was held under the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE). Upasana Singh won 360 votes, with Sahila Chaddha second at 357. Dhillon and Kolhapure challenged the process, questioning why it was held when CINTAA’s term runs until 2027.
October 20: A separate election saw Padmini Kolhapure reportedly emerge as the winner with 604 votes, followed by Poonam Dhillon with 601, according to media reports.
October 27: Upasana’s committee takes charge after the court ruling, according to her.

The Rs 73 Lakh Question

The headline number is Rs 73 lakh. Upasana says this is money gathered over several years for members’ benefit and cannot be allowed to go to waste. When asked whether her committee intended to recover the funds, she said it was certainly a priority and one of the reasons behind the ongoing legal battle.

It is important to note that the allegation has not been proven. The other camp has previously maintained that CINTAA’s funds were properly accounted for. Any recovery effort will depend on documents, bank records and what the courts decide.

What This Means for Upasana Singh

1. A mandate and a minefield. The win gives her authority and visibility. It also puts her under a microscope. Members who backed her will expect quick results on welfare, transparency and the missing funds.

2. Credibility rides on the accounts. Promising to recover Rs 73 lakh raises the stakes. If her team can show a clear audit trail, it will strengthen her hand. If not, critics will pounce.

3. Her legal position is not fully safe. With a contempt matter pending and rival claims still alive, the situation could change with the next hearing.

What It Means for CINTAA’s Members

For the actors, writers and technicians who rely on the association, the most immediate concern is support. Upasana says the committee’s top priority is to help members and make sure they receive the assistance they need. After months of resignations, press conferences and police visits, many members will simply want stability: working helplines, claim settlements and clear communication.

What Happens Next

(This is our analysis, not confirmed fact.)

November 18 hearing. Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon are due to explain themselves on the contempt petition. The court’s response will shape whether this drama cools or heats up further.
Money trail scrutiny. Expect demands for accounts, bank statements and an audit. A formal probe is possible if the court or authorities see merit.
Counter-moves. The rival camp has contested the process at every step, so more legal challenges and public statements are likely.
Industry pressure. Industry bodies and senior members may push for a settlement, since a prolonged fight can hurt the association’s reputation.

Also Read: https://ultapaltakhabar.com/smita-bansal-and-ankush-mohla-renew-wedding-vows-in-a-dreamy-goa-white-wedding-after-25-years-together/

The Bottom Line

Fixed deposits, rival elections, mass resignations and a hawan to wash away the bad vibes: the CINTAA saga has had it all. Upasana Singh now holds the president’s chair, but the real test begins now. She must deliver on welfare, recover the money she says is missing and survive the next round in court.

On November 18, the spotlight swings to the other side of the room. Until then, the actors of CINTAA are watching closely.

Note: For optimal viewing on mobile devices, rotate the screen.

You May Like: