Veteran film producer Vashu Bhagnani is currently facing scrutiny over allegations that his production company, Pooja Entertainment, has not fulfilled financial obligations to crew members involved in recent films. According to BN Tiwari, president of FWICE, the outstanding dues amount to more than ₹65 lakh across several projects, including ‘Mission Raniganj,’ ‘Ganapath,’ and ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.’
Director Tinu Desai, owed ₹33.13 lakh for his work on ‘Mission Raniganj,’ which starred Akshay Kumar, has expressed frustration despite a contracted amount of ₹40,35,000, having received only ₹37,03,692 so far. This discrepancy was highlighted in a complaint filed with IFTDA in March 2023.
FWICE Alleges Vashu Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment Owes Over Rs 65 Lakhs To Crew Of Akshay Kumar & Tiger Shroff’s Mission Raniganj, Ganapath & BMCM
Read here:https://t.co/o4bIFMcVoT#PoojaEntertainment #VashuBhagnani #JackkyBhagnani #MissionRaniganj #Ganapath #BMCM… pic.twitter.com/eY8qTZywqr— Box Office Worldwide (@BOWorldwide) June 29, 2024
Additionally, Pooja Entertainment reportedly owes ₹31.78 lakh to over 250 set workers who contributed to these films. These workers, involved in projects featuring stars like Tiger Shroff and Akshay Kumar, have faced delays in receiving their payments despite efforts by FWICE and IFTDA to expedite the process.
Rakesh Maurya, representing Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union, disclosed that approximately 200 to 250 workers collectively await ₹31,78,327 owed to them. These individuals span various departments crucial to film production, including set construction and lighting.
Ashok Dubey, FWICE’s general secretary, voiced concern over the prolonged delay in payments, noting that despite the films’ releases, many workers have yet to be compensated. Recent layoffs at Pooja Entertainment have heightened tensions, prompting crew members to voice grievances regarding the company’s financial management.
KIND HEARTED SUPERSTAR AKSHAY KUMAR CAN NEVER DO HARM TO ANYBODY 🔥
Vashu Bhagnani clarifies that Akshay Kumar has compensated and supported him after the unsuccessful run of recent films. ‘Mera Ghar janta chala rahi hai naaki social media par baith kar…— Akshay Sena – The Kattar Fanclub (@akshaykisena) June 26, 2024
In response to mounting criticism, Vashu Bhagnani urged affected parties to engage directly with Pooja Entertainment to resolve outstanding issues. The situation underscores broader challenges of financial transparency and accountability within Bollywood’s production landscape, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and timely compensation for all involved in film production.
As the industry grapples with these issues, FWICE and other industry bodies continue their efforts to advocate for resolution and uphold ethical standards across film production practices.
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