Mumbai’s film fraternity just got a new set of office-bearers. The Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) held its Executive Committee elections on Tuesday, and veteran actress Padmini Kolhapure emerged as the top vote-getter with 604 votes, just three votes ahead of fellow veteran Poonam Dhillon, who secured 601.
The elections saw over 660 members turn up to vote, a turnout that both winners described as remarkable given the controversies that have surrounded the association in recent months. In all, 15 members were elected to the Executive Committee.
The winners list
The top five finishers were comfortably ahead of the rest, reflecting their seniority and support among members:
- Padmini Kolhapure – 604 votes
- Poonam Dhillon – 601 votes
- Rakesh Bedi – 575 votes
- Kanwarjit Paintal – 548 votes
- Chandraprakash Thakur – 514 votes
The remaining elected members were Abhay Bhaargava (439), Ghanshyam Shrivastav (395), Jaya Bhattacharya (392), Tina Ghai (374), Rajit Kapur (340), Sheeba Akashdeep (322), Ramesh Goyal (296), Jitendra Singh (284), Mohd Farooq Bandhukia (272) and Rohit Roy (268).
How the voting day played out
Tuesday’s polling had its share of star power. Actor Anil Kapoor stepped out to cast his vote and later posed for photographs alongside Rakesh Bedi, Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon, all flaunting their inked fingers, a familiar sight in any Indian election.
Speaking to ANI after the results, Padmini Kolhapure said, “It feels very good. I am very happy. The way our voters turned up, there were a little over 660 voters. Despite the very difficult situation that was going on, people were trying to stop our election, leaving no stone unturned; today our CINTAA elections took place. The 15 elected members have been chosen today by those who cast their votes.”
Poonam Dhillon, speaking to ANI, echoed the sentiment: “Thank you. We are very excited, because seeing the enthusiasm with which all the members participated truly gives us reassurance that we took the right decision, that we should hold CINTAA’s election through CINTAA itself. And seeing the enthusiasm of the members, we are very, very happy about it.”
The backstory: why this election mattered
This was no routine election. The CINTAA polls come after months of a bitter public feud. In August, 11 of the association’s 21 Executive Committee members resigned, alleging autocratic functioning within the body.
Some members, including Upasna Singh and Sahila Chadha, accused Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon of fund misappropriation and autocratic functioning. Matters escalated further when the Upasna Singh-led faction held its own re-elections in September. However, those results cannot be implemented: the court refused to stay the fresh polls ordered by FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees), and the next hearing in the matter is scheduled for October 26, 2026.
Actor Rakesh Bedi, who finished third, told ANI why he stood: “I am standing for this committee because I believe it can bring about the necessary changes. I have always felt that their intentions, thoughts and course of action were right, which is why I stand with them. I hope that this committee will be able to resolve all the pending issues, including the legal matters, and move forward in the best interest of CINTAA and its members.”
Poonam Dhillon’s first moves as president
Poonam Dhillon told IANS that she has already introduced two changes. First, every elected member will receive a copy of the CINTAA constitution and is expected to know its rules and regulations. Second, she held an oath-taking ceremony this time, with elected members pledging to follow the constitution, be fair and work for members’ welfare.
“Everybody who gets elected should have a copy of the constitution and also know the constitution of CINTAA. That’s most important; they should know what the rules and regulations of CINTAA are,” she said. “I hope for years it continues that every member who comes in should get a copy and follow the constitution.”
Dhillon also noted that around 670 members participated in the election, calling the turnout encouraging, especially since voting took place during a festival holiday.
FAQs
Who won the CINTAA Executive Committee elections?
Veteran actress Padmini Kolhapure won with 604 votes, followed by Poonam Dhillon with 601 votes. Rakesh Bedi finished third with 575 votes.
When were the CINTAA elections held?
The elections were held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with over 660 members of the association casting their votes in Mumbai.
Why was this election controversial?
The polls followed the resignation of 11 executive committee members in August over allegations of autocratic functioning and fund mismanagement, and a rival faction led by Upasna Singh held separate re-elections in September that are now before the court.
What is CINTAA?
CINTAA is the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association, one of India’s key organisations representing film and television artists, handling welfare, disputes and industry issues for its members.
What happens next?
The next hearing in the related court matter is scheduled for October 26, 2026, which will decide whether the rival September election results can be implemented.
The newly elected committee now faces the twin task of running the association and settling its internal disputes. Whether the oath of unity holds through the October 26 hearing will be the next chapter to watch.
