Bollywood background dancers get pay hike

Bollywood is known for its fabulous song and dance routines. And background dancers are the ones who give Indian cinema its unique identity. Now, Cine Dancers have finally got a wage hike which was long overdue. They will now be paid a minimum of Rs 4500 per day. Speaking about it, Zahid of Cine Dancers Association confirmed saying that the dancers had not got any increment in the last five years. He says, “I am happy to tell you that most choreographers of the film industry including Bosco and Remo D’Souza are happy for us.”

It is learnt that the wage hike has started with Pati Patni Aur Woh with the last song from  the film which was shot with Kartik Aaryan recently. Choreographer Bosco when contacted said, “It is fantastic news and my team has told me about this increase in wages. Whatever has happened is really good.”

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees and Cine Dancers Association have disaffiliated from each other but the FWICE is happy for the workers. General Secretary of FWICE, B N Tiwari said, “Whether they work with us or don’t work with us but they should get their hike which was overdue. I would request the producers to make sure the dancers get a minimum of Rs 4500 for 12 hours of shoot and for those who pay less than Rs 4500 FWICE will issue a non-cooperation against them.”

Remo D’Souza has been busy shooting for Street Dancers. The choreographer’s wife  Lizelle said, “We have been fighting for this for the last 18 years we are happy that at last it is done.”

Unfortunately, there is a flip side to this. Dancers  allege that there are some choreographers who sign package deals with producers and don’t pay them the right amount that is due to them. Ravi of Dancer Association said, “There are a few choreographers exploiting dancers who are needy but we will not allow this to happen anymore.” Stay tuned to CineBlitz for more updates and news.