Salman Khan and Rani Mukerji’s starrer Chori Chori Chupke Chupke showcased surrogacy when it was considered taboo in India. But beyond challenging societal norms, the movie drew publicity for its alleged links to Mumbai’s underworld.
The film became the subject of a police investigation after producer Nazim Rizvi was accused of having links with gangster Chhota Shakeel. As a result, investigators delayed the film’s release while they examined its funding and the people involved in its production.
Chori Chori Chupke Chupke And Links To Underground World: The Controversy Explained
Chori Chori Chupke Chupke was directed by Abbas-Mustan and was financed by Bharat Shah. But Bharat Shah was subsequently arrested alongside producer Nazim Rizvi over alleged links to gangster Chhota Shakeel.
The investigation moved from finding out the source of money to a deeper scandal of criminal figures attempting to influence casting decisions and threaten film personalities.
Police intercepted telephone conversations of Bharat Shah, Nazim Rizvi and Chhota Shakeel. And based on the recordings, the prosecutors alleged that there was a link between the film’s financing and the underworld.
However, in a December 2001 report by India Today, Bharat Shah said he financed the film through legitimate payments. He also claimed that he paid approximately Rs 12.7 crore by cheque.
(Image Credit: IMDb)
Preity Zinta Testified That She Recieved An Extortion Threat
Preity Zinta testified in court in January 2003 that she had received a threatening phone call while shooting Chori Chori Chupke Chupke.
According to a report published in Hindustan Times, Preity Zinta told the court that the caller accepted that he was working for the underworld and demanded Rs 50 lakh.
She recalled the caller saying, “Main bhai ka aadmi Razak bol raha hoon aur mujhe 50 lakh chahiye.”
Preity Zinta further testified that she was frightened and informed all the filmmakers of the movie and did not pay any money.
What Did Salman Khan Say About Links To Underworld?
Salman Khan was also interrogated by police.
In March 2010, India Today reported that Salman Khan testified in court that he did not know that the makers had connections. He said he signed for the movie only on one condition: he wanted a reputed director.
The prosecution also had allegations that Salman Khan was threatened by Anjum Fazlani over his remuneration. However, Salman Khan mentioned he met Anjum Fazlani, an alleged associate of Shakeel, only once or twice.
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Bharat Shah’s Arrest And Court’s Verdict
Bharat Shah was arrested on January 8, 2001, under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Rizvi and his associate were also arrested.
On September 30, 2003, a special court convicted Shah of failing to inform the authorities about Rizvi’s underworld links. But due to a lack of evidence, the court did not convict him under MCOCA for participating in organised crime.
Shah was sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment. However, as he had already spent 14 months in custody during the proceedings, he did not have to serve additional time.
Rizvi and Allahbaksh Khan received six-year prison sentences for their roles in the offences.
Chori Chori Chupke Chupke was eventually released in March 2001. Its history exposed the crime to influence the Bollywood industry during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
FAQs
Q1. Which Salman Khan film was linked to the Mumbai underworld?
A1. Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (2001), starring Salman Khan, Rani Mukerji and Preity Zinta, was investigated over alleged underworld financing.
Q2. Was Chori Chori Chupke Chupke funded by Chhota Shakeel?
A2. Chori Chori Chupke Chupke was investigated over alleged links to Chhota Shakeel, but there are no official reports confirming the allegations.
Q3. Why was Bharat Shah arrested?
A3. Bharat Shah was arrested in 2001 over alleged underworld links and for sharing information about Rizvi’s connections with the court.