Poonam Dhillon Urges Producers To Pay Junior Actors On Time… Calls 90-Day Payment Cycle ‘Very Unfair’

Behind the glamour of the entertainment industry lies a struggle that often goes unnoticed. CINTAA (Cine and TV Artistes’ Association) President Poonam Dhillon has appealed to producers to ensure timely payments for actors, especially those working in smaller roles. Calling the industry’s 90-day payment cycle “very unfair,” she stressed that delayed payments make survival difficult for junior artistes.

‘Please Be Sensitive To Junior Actors’

Speaking about the issue, Poonam urged producers to pay closer attention to what happens on their sets. She pointed out that while leading stars often receive special treatment, actors working one- or two-day roles are left waiting months for their dues. According to her, these artistes depend on timely payments to manage their everyday lives and should be compensated as soon as their work is completed.

The Problem With The 90-Day Payment Cycle

Poonam also criticised the long-standing practice of releasing payments after 90 days. She explained that the situation becomes even worse when a show is abruptly discontinued. In such cases, actors who have already completed their work are sometimes left waiting indefinitely, with pending dues becoming difficult to recover. She described the current system as unfair and called for more responsible payment practices across the industry.

A Call For Industry-Wide Change

As the head of CINTAA, Poonam said her focus is on protecting the welfare of actors at every level, not just established stars. She suggested that artistes working on daily assignments should be paid at the end of each workday, while those on monthly contracts should receive their salaries promptly after the month ends, much like employees in other professions.

Know Buddys Take

The spotlight usually shines on the stars, but an industry runs because of thousands of working actors behind the scenes. Poonam Dhillon’s appeal highlights an issue that’s long been discussed but rarely addressed publicly. Fair and timely payments aren’t just a financial matter they’re about dignity and respect for every performer, regardless of the size of their role.