An Economic Dimension Of Indian Film Industry: Origins Of Character Artistes’ Association (C.A.A.) Later Christened As Cine And TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA)

Abstract

The origin of an organization called Character Artistes’ Association (C.A. A.) was significant as it was the one which initiated safeguarding the interests of the cinema artistes in an organized way. It was a Trade Union body and its objective was to, primarily, safeguard economic and other interests of its affiliates and also engaged in the welfare of its members. In the research paper, the evolution of C. A. A. from an informal gathering to a duly constituted body safeguarding and fighting for the rights of its members will be discussed. The details of the various meetings conducted by C.A.A. in its initial years will be provided to understand its philosophy and working. It will also convey about the issues which were important and relevant for its members. Moreover, it will also provide information about the contemporary circumstances and their responses to such situations. The involvement of its members in attending the meetings to sort out the various issues of the organization will be described. Also, their inputs to conduct the smooth functioning of their organization will be enumerated so that their contributions can be highlighted and defined. Their realization and commitment to protect the rights and privileges of its members from their employers was their defining feature. Their attempts to recognize the contributions of their fellow members will also be discussed. Their deliberations not only convey the independent voices of its members but also their democratic aspirations. In 1960, the Character Artistes’ Association was renamed as Cine Artistes’ Association. In 1997, TV was added to it and it was rechristened as Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) which is registered under the Indian Trade Union Act.