- By Ridhi Suri
- Sat, 29 Jun 2024 10:19 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Recent report reveals that Vashu Bhagnani's Pooja Entertainment is encountering substantial financial challenges, notably owing money to Tinu Desai, director of Akshay Kumar's 'Mission Raniganj'. BN Tiwari, president of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), recently disclosed that payments are overdue for workers involved in projects such as 'Mission Raniganj', 'Ganapath', and 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan'. According to PTI, Bhagnani's company owes Rs 33.13 lakh to director Tinu Desai and Rs 31.78 lakh to more than 250 crew members.
FWICE president said, "A written complaint was filed by the director of Mission Raniganj regarding non-payment of his dues of Rs 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."
In March 2023, Mission Raniganj's director filed a complaint against Bhagnani, alleging non-payment of dues. It was reported that the director was supposed to receive Rs 4,03,50,000, but has received only Rs 3,70,36,092 so far. Additionally, FWICE President disclosed that despite multiple letters from IFTDA to Pooja Entertainment urging payment, the company consistently delayed the settlement.
The FWICE President also mentioned that in February this year, the production house requested "time to pay," referring to an email dated February 20, 2024, citing Jackky Bhagnani's wedding. However, they did not respond subsequently. In March this year, FWICE sent another letter to Pooja Entertainment, but Bhagnani again requested more time, stating they would settle after the release of their film, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.
Amid reports of Vashu Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment facing a Rs 250 crore loss, the film producer revealed that superstars such as Akshay Kumar and Sunny Deol have offered their support. Reports have been circulating for some time about Vashu Bhagnani and Jackky Bhagnani's Pooja Entertainment facing significant losses due to a string of unsuccessful films. The report also indicated that the proceeds from the sale were being used to pay off debts and mentioned that the production house had let go of 80 percent of its workforce. However, Bhagnani refuted these claims and clarified that the building was undergoing redevelopment in a subsequent statement.