Bollywood's 'bully' make-up association targets female members?

Bollywood's 'bully' make-up association targets female members?

Picture for representation only

Repetitive defeats in court hasn't detered the Cine Costume Make Up Artists and Hair Dressers Association (CCMAA) from causing distress for its female members. After being ordered to induct women makeup artistes, including Charu Khurana and Neha Kamra, into the association for a fee of Rs 15,000 in 2015, the union is now apparently demanding Rs 85,000 in addition to the standard Rs 5,001 for renewal of membership.

Evidently angered by their "bullying", Khurana, who recently completed work on SS Rajamouli's magnum opus 'Baahubali 2', tells mid-day, "The union is asking for Rs 85,000 [as donation] in addition to the renewal fee. We are told our cards will be renewed only if we pay this amount.''

The much-acclaimed artiste, whose clientele boasts Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Barack Obama and Virat Kohli, among others, has spearheaded the war against gender discrimination, and is ready to go up in arms against the association yet again.

"I am consulting my lawyer and plan to go to the Supreme Court thereafter."

Khurana is among 10 women makeup artistes who've submitted a written complaint at the Amboli police station against the highhandedness of the union on May 16.

Makeup designer Neha Kamra says, "I have been going to the union's office to renew my membership, but they keep demanding more money. The committee members did not allow me to touch the rule book [for reference]."

CCMAA general secretary Stanley D'Souza, says Kamra, demanded she return after May 19 given that his lawyers were away.

mid-day reached out to the association, but they remained unavailable for comment.