At a time when much of the world is dealing with uncertainty, rising tensions, and concerns around energy conservation, India’s entertainment industry is quietly going through one of its toughest phases in recent years. According to a survey conducted by The Top India, many professionals connected to films, television, and digital entertainment are struggling to find stable work and fair payments.

The survey, which included conversations with more than 1,000 people working across different areas of the entertainment sector, revealed a worrying picture. Many respondents said that work opportunities have reduced sharply over the last few months. Even when projects are available, payments have reportedly dropped by nearly 50 to 60 percent compared to previous years.

The impact is being felt most strongly by mid-level and freelance workers rather than established stars. Character artists, assistant directors, makeup artists, camera operators, lightmen, and equipment suppliers are among those facing serious financial pressure. For many of them, surviving in Mumbai has become increasingly difficult.

Several industry professionals participated in discussions related to the survey findings. These included Bollywood director Dushyant Pratap Singh, film producer and actor Laxman Singh Rajput, cinematographer Ashok Saroj, cameraman Ritesh Gupta, makeup artist Sonam Pandit, singer and music composer Senty Sharma, director Sagar Joshi, and film producer Amit Javeri.

People associated with the industry say the problem is not just about fewer projects. The larger concern is the gap between income and living expenses in Mumbai. Most entertainment offices and production houses operate from areas like Andheri, Juhu, and Bandra, where even an average apartment can cost around ₹50,000 per month in rent.

For freelancers and technicians who depend on regular shoots and production schedules, this situation has created constant uncertainty. Many workers say they are taking up smaller assignments simply to manage rent, travel, and day-to-day expenses. Some are also considering leaving Mumbai or switching professions if conditions do not improve soon.

Industry insiders believe the slowdown is linked to multiple factors, including tighter production budgets, changing viewing habits, cautious investments, and broader economic uncertainty. The recent discussions around energy saving and cost-cutting across sectors have also added to concerns within production circles.

While major stars and large production houses continue to operate at scale, the backbone of the entertainment industry is made up of thousands of workers who function behind the scenes. The survey highlighted that these professionals now need stronger financial stability, timely payments, and more consistent work opportunities.

The information in this report is based on survey findings and industry discussions shared by The Top India