The decision by the government to levy a 12.36 percent service tax from July 1st for all performing artistes including actors on the big and small screens as well as those who perform in stage shows has been met with anger and panic. Stars feel that they are already paying hefty income taxes and this additonal service tax is unfair. Also this will affect struggling actors and leave them financially strapped.
Producers are panic - stricken as they fear that actors will hike their fees and the budget will hit the roof. And this will make it that much harder to make films which are profitable in an industry that is already crippled.
