Prominent Indian actor Tota Roy Chowdhury has withdrawn from Bangladeshi director Syed Ahmed Shawki's much-anticipated series "Gulmohar", citing issues related to payment and taxes. The role, originally meant for Tota, has since been recast with fellow Indian actor Saswata Chatterjee, known for his roles in blockbusters like "Kalki 2898 AD", "Proloy", and "Kahaani". Tota, known for his candid nature, did not shy away from explaining the reasons behind his departure.
He revealed that, just before signing the contract, he was informed that 30% of his earnings would be taxed by the Bangladesh government. "That's their rule, and that's where I had a problem," he stated. He further explained that he rarely compromises on his fee except when playing the role of Feluda, the iconic detective character for which he is internationally recognised.
"If I gave away 30% of my earnings to the Bangladesh government, my fee would end up being less than what I make playing 'Feluda'," Tota added. Despite his admiration for both the director and the character, he maintained that the situation didn't align with his principles. In an effort to keep him on board, the production company offered to cover the additional tax, proposing an increased fee to offset the deduction.
However, Tota stood firm, demanding a payment that would still exceed his "Feluda" fee, even after taxes. "I told them they'd have to pay me at least one taka more than my "Feluda" fee," he recalled. When the production team info.