Vanity van owners to go on indefinite strike

Mumbai: Opposing the state government’s tax regulation, the Bollywood Celebrity Vanity Van Association will go on an indefinite strike from December 10; a move likely to affect shooting of Akshay Kumar’s Kesari and Netflix’s Sacred Games 2.

The All Camper Van Owners’ Association, which has 250 vans, has been running a “non-cooperation movement” against the state government. The association fears that 500 workers will be left without jobs. In addition to this, 5000 workers, who earn daily wages, will also remain unemployed.

President of the All Camper Van Owners’ Association, Ketan Rawal, said that their client roster included ‘A’ list stars like Ajay Devgan, Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Arjun Rampal, Kangana Ranaut, Sonakshi Sinha, Taapsee Pannu and Disha Patani.

Mr Rawal also said that Devgan was shooting for his home production Tanaji; Kangana’s shoot was underway; Saif was doing Sacred Games 2; and John’s Batla House Mumbai schedule would begin now. Arjun was doing a web series while Sonakshi and Taapsee were both shooting for a film with Akshay.

Mr Rawal said that everyone was busy with shoots right now. If the vans weren’t available, shooting would be hampered. “Honestly, we are feeling bad for it,” said Mr Rawal, who has spent 25 years in the industry. Mr Rawal is of the view that they are being harassed a lot.

Each vanity van is being taxed at the rate of Rs 5,000 per square metre which amounts to an annual Rs 125,000. The association has been opp-osing this tax imposed by the government.

Mr Rawal said that the requirement of vans would be high for films, especially in places where there were no makeup rooms i.e. Sacred Games.

Mr Rawal also pointed out that Sacred Games was being shot in Dharavi and other real locations where makeup facilities were not possible. “So, how will they be able to shoot?” he questioned.

Mr Rawal said that Karan Johar’s Kesari shoot was also underway and that if the vans did not come for five days, they would incur losses to the tune of Rs 5 crores.

Mr Rawal said that they had communicated their decision to the actors and were awaiting a response from the government.