Budget 2026–27 divide: Mukesh Bhatt cries neglect, Manish Tripathi cheers growth, Ravi Kishan hails AI push
Budget 2026-27 divides Bollywood. Mukesh Bhatt slams neglect of "cultural ambassadors," Ravi Kishan cheers AI media centres, Shemaroo's COO hails global dreams, and Manish Tripathi loves textile boosts for sustainable fashion innovation.
Budget 2026: Bollywood bigwigs are divided over Budget 2026-27. While some cheer AI media centres and youth creator support as game-changers, others slam the government for ignoring the "cultural ambassadors."
Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt calls out shabby treatment, Ravi Kisan hails training hubs, and Shemaroo's COO dreams of global glory. Even fashion icon Manish Tripathi joins the buzz—but from textiles? Click to uncover and know what people from the entertainment industry think about the current budget.
Budget 2026-27 sparks debate in entertainment and fashion worlds
India's Union Budget 2026-27 has ignited heated reactions from the entertainment industry and beyond. While some leaders praise steps to boost young creators and digital content, others feel the sector remains neglected despite its role as cultural ambassadors.
Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt voiced strong frustration. "As always, the entertainment industry is always sidelined by our government for reasons best known to them. They call us the cultural ambassadors of our country, but treat us very shabbily," he said. His words highlight long-standing gripes about the lack of support for Bollywood and regional cinema, key drivers of India's soft power.
On a brighter note, actor-politician Ravi Kishan welcomed specific initiatives. "Yes Ai media centres for industry to train our new makers. There is no burden on the poor; there is no burden on the country. It is futuristic to increase the MSMEs for the growth of the country and to increase tourism. If someone has not kept their property overseas, they should get a pension. If there is an income from overseas, they should get a pension. Railway connectivity, the coconut industry, every sector, in such detail, our culture, our heritage, all our ancient properties, how will we connect them to tourism? This is a very great, wonderful issue.'' he stated, pointing to new AI-driven media centres aimed at skill-building. These hubs promise to equip fresh talent with cutting-edge tools, potentially revolutionising filmmaking and content creation.
Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd's Chief Operating Officer, Arghya Chakravarty, called it a "turning point." "This Budget is a turning point for India’s creative economy. What excites me most is the recognition that storytelling, digital content, and cultural expression are real engines of growth. With young creators now supported from school onwards, we are looking at a future where India not only produces content for itself but also sets global benchmarks. This kind of forward-looking support gives the industry the confidence to dream bigger and invest in talent that can shine worldwide,” Chakravarty enthused. His optimism underscores hopes for OTT platforms, music, and exports to compete globally.
Interestingly, fashion designer Manish Tripathi, often linked to Bollywood glamour, cheered budget moves outside entertainment. "I wholeheartedly welcome the Union Budget 2026-27's emphasis on revitalising the textile sector. As a fashion designer, I'm particularly excited about initiatives like the National Fibre Scheme and Tex-Eco Initiative, which will not only promote sustainable fashion practices but also drive innovation in our industry. The focus on eco-friendly production methods and advanced technologies will enable us to create unique, globally competitive designs while showcasing India's rich textile heritage. I'm eager to integrate these initiatives into my work, contributing to India's growth as a leader in sustainable fashion. Let's drive positive change and innovation in Indian fashion, celebrating our cultural legacy while embracing the future!" Malhotra said.
While Pratap Jain, Founder and CEO, ChanaJor OTT, also shared his insights on the issue. "Budget 2026 shows that creativity and enterprise are now intertwined with India’s growth story. From skill-building to heritage digitisation, the government is creating an ecosystem where ideas, culture, and technology come together. For the industry, this is a moment to embrace new opportunities, expand horizons, and help position India as a hub of innovation and creativity on the global stage.”
These reactions show a split: hope for tech and youth focus versus calls for deeper funding. As India eyes a $1 trillion digital economy, will the government bridge the gap? The creative sector waits eagerly.