MUMBAI: A delegation led by filmmakers Mahesh Bhatt and Ramesh Sippy met the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan recently and apprised him of various issues including the high entertainment tax in the state, harassment by political parties and high-handedness of police at the government-run Film City at Goregaon.

The CM was handed over a letter signed by Yash Chopra, Sippy and Bhatt listing their grievances. According to the film fraternity, the high-handedness has resulted in unhealthy environment prevailing in the Film City. They also complained about the arbitrary treatment and arrests of the workers to squeeze money by the local police.

At the meeting, also attended by Industries Minister Narayan Rane, the CM assured the delegation that he would look into their grievances and said more discussions would be arranged to resolve issues affecting the industry.

Talking to the press, an official of the revenue department stated that the issues were serious in nature and needed to be addressed immediately. “While the industry gets huge tax rebate and other incentives for shooting in other states, Maharashtra was known for levying huge taxes. “We have failed to have studios like Ramoji Filmcity in Andhra Pradesh in the state,” he exclaimed.