Upasana Singh Says We Are Not Afraid as CINTAA Election Battle Intensifies Ahead of Polls

The ongoing internal battle within the Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) took centre stage in Mumbai as Upasana Singh, Ashok Pandit, BN Tiwari, Deepak Parashar, Gajendra Chauhan and several members of the film fraternity came together for a press conference. With the association heading towards its September 12, 2026 elections, the media interaction became an important platform for members to address the developments, concerns and tensions surrounding the upcoming polls. At the heart of the discussion was a larger question of representation, fairness and the future direction of the association.

Speaking at the press conference, Upasana Singh described the ongoing situation as a battle between justice and injustice and said that those standing on the side of truth had remained firm despite several challenges. She alleged that people had been misled and claimed that some members were receiving messages threatening cancellation of their membership cards or legal action if they participated in the election. Yet, according to Singh, the response from the artistes has been one of determination rather than fear. Her remarks placed the upcoming election firmly in the spotlight and reflected the seriousness of the internal dispute.

Singh said, “This was a battle between justice and injustice, and they stood firmly on the side of truth and justice. There were many challenges—people were heavily misled, as Tiwari ji mentioned—and even now, they receive messages threatening to cancel their membership cards or initiate legal action if they participate in the election. Despite these various threats, 51 people have filed nomination forms; this is a historic moment for CINTAA. Never before have so many people filed nominations. This sends a clear message from the artists: we are not afraid of anyone, and truth always triumphs. You are already aware of the rest. Through you, I simply want to urge as many people as possible to participate in the election scheduled for the 12th. There is no need to fear anyone—and I am certain that, in any case, we are not afraid. The fact that people have filed nominations and are standing firm despite these threatening messages proves that they are unafraid. The Federation has also clarified that these actions are illegal and that strict measures will be taken against those responsible. Staff members are also being manipulated in various ways; I do not wish to dwell on that, but I simply want to say: come out in large numbers and demonstrate that Satyamev Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs).”

The comments come against the backdrop of a major divide within CINTAA ahead of the election. The association has witnessed a growing rift between two factions, with one side led by former General Secretary Upasana Singh and supported by the parent body FWICE, while the other includes veteran actresses Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure. With the election now only days away, the competing positions have turned what would ordinarily be an organisational exercise into a closely watched development within the entertainment industry.

One of the key points highlighted during the press conference was the number of nominations. Singh pointed to 51 people filing nomination forms as a significant moment for the association, presenting it as evidence that members are willing to participate despite the tensions surrounding the election. Her appeal was not simply directed at candidates but at the wider membership, urging artistes to come out and vote. The emphasis on participation reflects the importance both sides appear to place on the September 12 polls and the mandate that will emerge from them.

The CINTAA election has therefore become about more than choosing office bearers. It has opened a wider conversation about governance, representation, member confidence and the relationship between an artistes' association and the people it represents. As the September 12 election approaches, the statements made at the Mumbai press conference are likely to add further intensity to an already closely watched contest. For Upasana Singh, the message remains clear: regardless of the pressure surrounding the process, members should participate without fear — and, in her words, let “Satyamev Jayate” be the final message.