VASHU BHAGNANI'S POOJA ENTERTAINMENT'S CREW BREAK SILENCE ON UNPAID DUES, SEEK SUPPORT FROM AKSHAY KUMAR
Vashu Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment is facing increased scrutiny after crew members publicly aired grievances about unpaid dues on social media. Bhagnani had urged affected individuals to contact him directly and submit required documents, pledging to settle payments within 60 days. However, additional actors and crew members have since stepped forward, echoing similar allegations of non-payment by the production company.
Some have even sacrificed their homes, endured endless waits for payment notifications, made desperate calls while recovering from hospital stays, yet remain unpaid for their contributions to some of Vashu Bhagnani's recent major film projects. The production house's latest release was the film 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,' featuring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff.
In an interview with Indian Express, a crew member from the film "Mere Husband Ki Biwi," CH Ravi Kumar, disclosed the challenges faced due to unpaid dues despite the film's completion in 2022. He revealed that filming was temporarily halted due to non-payment issues, which resumed only after assurances from Pooja Films. Despite submitting numerous invoices, Kumar received only partial payment, exacerbating his financial difficulties, especially after a personal accident that left him bedridden.
His persistent efforts to contact the production house yielded minimal responses, and despite receiving Rs 50,000 after several months, Rs 1,06,000 remains outstanding, causing ongoing distress and financial strain. The crew shared their ordeal, stating they finished their work on a film in 2022 with initial promises of payment within 30 days, later extended to June, anticipating a July release that did not materialise. Despite multiple follow-ups being ignored, there were instances where individuals directly communicated with Jackky Bhagnani, who personally assured them of payment.
Ravi Kumar expressed frustration, pointing out that while stars like Akshay Kumar are promptly paid, crew members who earn far less, such as spot boys, remain unpaid. He questioned why the actors couldn't advocate for the crew's unpaid dues. Despite promises, the situation worsened with no payment updates. "All the stars were paid right? Akshay Kumar and all was given full, so why not us? I hope they speak for our causes. They get their payments but won’t talk for us workers who make their movies happen. A spot boy, who gets some Rs 1,000 a day, still hasn’t been paid. How is that fair?"
Other crew members and actors, like Faraz Khan from "Ganapath," have also encountered payment delays and unfulfilled promises. Khan, despite being assured of payment before the film's release, faced persistent delays that forced him to take legal action.