FM Sitharaman responds to SP MP Jaya Bachchan's 'you're a great storyteller' jibe in Rajya Sabha: 'Vocal cords not given only to you' - WATCH

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• Sitharaman and Bachchan clashed in Rajya Sabha over film taxes
• FM clarified entertainment tax is a state subject, not central
• Budget supports content creators and skill development

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A heated exchange erupted in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday between Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan over 2026 Union Budget's provisions for the entertainment industry and the taxation of film tickets.

The confrontation began when Bachchan interrupted Sitharaman's response regarding budget allocations for the entertainment sector. Bachchan questioned finance minister's explanation related to the entertainment industry and raised concerns about taxation leading to increased ticket prices.

"You have given very good answers. You are a great storyteller. For us, great entertainment. I am talking about the entertainment industry and ticket prices. We are the highest tax-paying industry," Bachchan said during the Parliamentary session.

Upon being repeatedly interrupted, Sitharaman retorted, "Vocal cords aren't given only to you."

Addressing the MP's concerns about high ticket prices affecting the industry, FM had clarified that entertainment tax and ticket pricing fall outside the central government's jurisdiction.

"On the specific question that she raised, that the industry is suffering because the ticket prices are too high. I must submit the entertainment tax; ticketing is a state subject. No point in asking me," the Finance Minister stated.

Bachchan's interjection occurred while Sitharaman was responding to her question about whether the Union Budget 2026 offers anything for the entertainment industry.

Refuting the SP MP's claim, the Finance Minister said the budget has given "sustained attention" to the sector, emphasizing steps taken to ensure skilling of content creators, animators and visual artists.

Sitharaman said, "Sustained attention has been given. The budget recognises the animation, visual effects, and content creation economy as a growth engine. As a result, support has been announced: the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies will now help in skilling and establishing content-creator labs in 1500 schools across the country. Two million professionals will be created by 2030. Content creation is a highly skilled sector."

Sitharaman also stated that new National Institute of Design (NID) branches are being announced to address the "skill shortage, the production of design, costumes, sets and visual aesthetics."

The Finance Minister highlighted the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025 held in Mumbai as evidence of government efforts toward the entertainment industry.

"We held Waves 2025. It was a global industries platform. Over ninety countries participated in it. 10,000 plus delegates were there. Thousands of creators were there. More than 300 companies participated in it. Are these not efforts towards the entertainment industry?" she said.