Chillar Party to be tax-free?

Salman Khan is turning out to be a dream producer. Thanks to his efforts, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry has sent across letters of recommendation to all Indian states to exempt his maiden production venture, Chillar Party, from entertainment tax.

Salman Khan is turning out to be a dream producer. Thanks to his efforts, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry has sent across letters of recommendation to all Indian states to exempt his maiden production venture, Chillar Party, from entertainment tax.

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A few days ago, the I&B Minister, Ambika Soni had watched the film that is produced by UTV and Salman Khan Being Human Productions, at a special screening in Delhi, for which Salman flew down from Patiala, where he is shooting for Bodyguard. Soni felt the film was very entertaining but at the same time, carried a strong message.

Later, Soni had a detailed discussion with Salman and the ministry sent letters to all state governments to exempt the film from entertainment tax. “It’s all due to Salman’s endeavors. He was very keen to make our film tax-free,” says film’s co-director Vikas Bahl. “All of us – including Salman – are happy with her decision. Now, we hope that it (tax-free status by states) really comes through.”

Although the central government can’t make it compulsory for states to make a film tax-free, Bahl feels the I&B Ministry’s letters will make a huge difference. “If our film gets a tax-free status, it will be easily accessible to a lot more people,” adds Bahl, who feels Salman’s involvement in the film comes with a double whammy because of people’s high expectations.