Tiger Shroff Comes to Rescue Focus Puller Amid Payment Crisis at Pooja Entertainment
Actor Tiger Shroff has extended financial assistance to focus puller CH Ravi Kumar, who was left in dire straits after allegedly not being paid by production company Pooja Entertainment. This development follows recent reports by indianexpress.com revealing ongoing payment issues faced by cast and crew members associated with films produced by Pooja Entertainment.
Ravi Kumar, who worked on the Mudassar Aziz-directed film Mere Husband Ki Biwi, produced by Vashu Bhagnani and Jackky Bhagnani, had been grappling with financial difficulties since sustaining injuries several months ago. Despite attempts to receive his due payments from Pooja Entertainment, Kumar claimed he had only received partial payments, leaving a substantial amount unpaid.
In an exclusive statement to indianexpress.com, Ravi Kumar expressed gratitude towards Tiger Shroff for stepping forward after learning about his plight through media reports. “It was very kind of Tiger to step forward when he read about my plight,” Kumar stated. “His mother and father called me yesterday, and I spoke to them. Many years ago, even Jackie sir had helped my brother, who was injured while working on a film. I’m touched by Tiger’s gesture, and this is a huge respite for me.”
While Ravi Kumar did not disclose the exact amount provided by Tiger Shroff, he confirmed that it was a substantial sum in lakhs.
The payment issues at Pooja Entertainment came to light after multiple crew members, including Kumar, shared their grievances about unpaid dues, despite repeated requests. Kumar recounted his struggles, including an accident that further exacerbated his financial situation, leaving him bedridden for eight months and exhausting his insurance funds.
According to sources, not only crew members but also lead actors from the film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, such as Tiger Shroff, Sonakshi Sinha, Alaya F, and Manushi Chhillar, have reportedly not received their payments from Pooja Entertainment. Despite completing their work and promoting the film, the actors allegedly did not receive their dues.
The estimated amount owed to various crew members and vendors by Pooja Entertainment is reported to be around Rs 2.5 crore. The issue gained traction after a collaborative Instagram post highlighted the non-payment of dues by producers Vashu Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, and actor Jackky Bhagnani, describing their ordeal as sheer frustration.
The situation underscores ongoing challenges in the entertainment industry regarding timely and fair compensation for all involved parties, prompting calls for transparency and accountability from production houses.
This incident also sheds light on the broader issues faced by freelance workers in the industry, emphasizing the importance of timely payments and fair treatment for all contributors to film productions.