Veteran film producer Vashu Bhagnani is reportedly in debt to the tune of over ₹65 lakh owed to crew members who worked on three of his recent films. This information was confirmed by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) president BN Tiwari, according to PTI reports.
The films in question are “Mission Raniganj,” “Ganapath,” and “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.” The FWICE president disclosed that Bhagnani’s production house, Pooja Entertainment, owes ₹33.13 lakh to Tinu Desai, the director of “Mission Raniganj,” a disaster thriller starring Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra.
Additionally, Pooja Entertainment owes ₹31.78 lakh to over 250 set workers who were part of the production teams for “Mission Raniganj,” “Ganapath” featuring Tiger Shroff, and the upcoming “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan” starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff.
“A written complaint was filed by the director of ‘Mission Raniganj’ regarding non-payment of his dues of ₹33.13 lakh from Vashu Bhagnani last year in March. We’ve been following up with Pooja Entertainment but still, they haven’t made the payment. They have said by July end they will clear the dues,” the FWICE president told PTI.
Tinu Desai, in a complaint filed on March 19, 2023, to the Indian Film & Television Director’s Association (IFTDA), stated that he worked on “Mission Raniganj” from February 2022 until its release on October 6, 2023. As per his contract, he was to receive ₹40350000 but has only been paid ₹37036092 so far.
IFTDA has written multiple letters to Pooja Entertainment, which has continually delayed the payments. In February, the company requested more time to pay, citing Jackky Bhagnani’s wedding. After FWICE intervened in March, the company again postponed payment, promising to settle the dues after the release of “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.” However, this promise remains unfulfilled.
“This is unfair what they are doing; they are leading a luxurious life, and when it comes to paying the dues, they are making excuses. In their latest email, they have said they will clear the dues by July end, but if they don’t do so, then our workers will not work on any of their films,” the FWICE president added.
According to Rakesh Maurya, a union leader, around 200 to 250 workers from the Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union are yet to receive payments totaling ₹3178327 from Pooja Entertainment. This union represents approximately 48,000 daily wage workers in various departments like set, lighting, and spot boys.
In a media statement, Bhagnani suggested that individuals claiming unpaid dues should engage directly with Pooja Entertainment for resolution.
Pooja Entertainment has a history of producing successful films like “Coolie No. 1,” “Hero No. 1,” “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” “Kucch Kehna Hai,” “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein,” “Om Jai Jagadish,” and “Shaadi No. 1.” However, their recent releases have not performed well at the box office.
The ongoing issue of unpaid dues to directors and workers highlights significant financial and ethical challenges within the film industry. The resolution of these payments by the end of July will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and affected parties.
Sources By Agencies
