WIFPA’s 64th AGM Concludes Amid Controversy: Questions Raised Over Transparency, Executive Committee Members, and Upcoming Elections

The 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Western India Film & TV Producers Association (WIFPA) was held on Wednesday at Maheshwari Hall in Andheri (West), Mumbai. The meeting commenced with a tribute to two late executive committee members—Mr. Rajesh Mittal and Mr. Ravindra Arora.

Financial reports from WIFPA offices in Mumbai, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, and Goa were presented and approved during the session. The pre-published speech by President Mr. Sangram Shirke was also passed with members’ consent.

17 Members in the Executive Committee—But How?

A major point of contention arose from the annual booklet distributed during the meeting, which listed 17 names and photos as members of the Executive Committee. This raised eyebrows, as two of the listed individuals have passed away and one is currently incarcerated abroad.

When a producer questioned the discrepancy from the floor, the hall fell silent. No office-bearer offered a clear explanation regarding how the vacancies were filled or whether new members were secretly nominated.

President Mr. Shirke merely stated that all members are selected through elections and that there is no formal process to fill mid-term vacancies. He added that the quorum for meetings is maintained. Secretary Mr. Dilip Dalvi mentioned that imprisoned member Rama Mehra has been suspended, though legal charges against him have yet to be proven.

Election Announcement Triggers Doubts

The Executive Committee of WIFPA serves a term of three years. It was announced during the AGM that the next election will be held on August 23, 2025. However, many members expressed doubts about whether nomination dates, procedures, and relevant information will be communicated transparently and in time.

Some members also claimed that even the AGM notice did not reach them promptly, raising fears that the upcoming elections might merely be a formality, with current office-bearers being re-elected unopposed.

Is WIFPA Meeting Standards of Transparency?

With over 8,000 active members, WIFPA holds significant sway in the Indian film and television production industry. However, when transparency and democratic functioning are called into question, it signals a need for serious introspection and reform.

Whether the leadership will respond to these concerns and restore faith in the association remains to be seen—or whether WIFPA will continue to function as a closed circle for a select few.