Indian films bleeding with taxation: Zoya Akhtar

Mumbai, Aug 23 (PTI) Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has expressedconcern over the heavy taxation on Indian films, which she saysis "backbreaking" for producers. The "Dil Dhadakne Do" helmer called upon the government tosupport the industry. "I think what really needs to happen is that we need tostop getting taxed as much we do, because Hollywood filmsaren’t as taxed as the Indian films are. The Indian films arebleeding with the amount of taxation. "We are paying taxes for entertainment, which is a logicaltax, and we are paying taxes for service. So are we a luxury orare we a service? We just keep paying tax," Zoya told reportershere. The 43-year-old "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" director saidthe government should take steps to support the film industryfor it to flourish. "I think the government really needs to help andunderstand that we have to support the industry. We have tomake sure the industry gets stronger and bigger and doesn’tget eaten up by foreign films. That’s the only way to help." Zoya was speaking at the launch of Sony Pictures Network’snew English movie channel Sony Le PLEX HD. The filmmaker, who is the community ambassador of thechannel, believes Indian cinema is coming out withcontent-driven films to compete with Hollywood. "We are making content-driven cinema, there are a lot offilms coming out. So I don’t think it’s the problem. I reallythink it is the restructuring and understanding how much taxesthe producers are paying. It is backbreaking," she said. PTIJUR GKBKSDM