Akshay Kumar Has Put His Fee On Hold Until Crew Is Paid, Says Jackky Bhagnani: 'We Are Grateful'

Vashu Bhagnani’s Pooja Entertainment is facing heavy financial losses. Expressing frustration over the delay in getting their hard-earned money, which was promised within 45-60 working days after completing their work, crew members who worked on Pooja Entertainment projects recently criticised the company’s behaviour, calling attention to what they see as exploitation of their passion for filmmaking. Jackky Bhagnani addressed rumours about the unpaid dues and mentioned Akshay Kumar’s support, saying that Akshay, who starred in their recent film Bade Miya Chote Miyan, postponed his payment until everyone else is paid.

Jackky in a statement said, “Akshay sir met me recently to discuss this matter. Upon learning about this situation, Akshay sir didn’t hesitate to step forward and show his support for the crew. He has insisted that his payments be placed on hold until every single crew member working on our projects receive their full and final payment. We are incredibly grateful for Akshay sir’s understanding and his willingness to stand with us during this time. The movie business hinges on strong relationships and that is the spirit we strive to foster at in the industry.” Says Jackky Bhagnani – On behalf of all producers of the film.”

It was also reported that the film producer owes money to Akshay Kumar’s Mission Raniganj director Tinu Desai. Recently, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) president BN Tiwari revealed that payments of workers who worked on the sets of – Mission Raniganj, Ganapath and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan are also pending. As reported by the news agency PTI, the FWICE president revealed that Bhagnani’s company, Pooja Entertainment, owes Rs 33.13 lakh to director Desai. Besides this, he also has to Rs 31.78 lakh to over 250 crew members.

“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,” the FWICE president said.