IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit slams Vashu Bhagnani amidst 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' dispute with Ali Abbas Zafar; claims 'non-payment has become habitual' - EXCLUSIVE

The ongoing battle between producer Vashu Bhagnani and filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar has taken a new turn, with the producer filing a police complaint against the director. The complaint accuses the director of breach of trust, intimidation, cheating, and non-disclosure of accounts related to their film 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan'.

In response, Zafar has lodged a complaint with the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) alleging non-payment of fees. The director claims he has not received his fees of Rs 7 crore, which Bhagnani’s Pooja Films allegedly owes him. The dispute has also escalated to involve the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which is advocating for technicians, film crew, and actors who have not been paid by Pooja Films.

Reacting to the ongoing dispute, IFTDA President Ashoke Pandit said in an exclusive interview with ETimes, "We have been following this up for a long time, but it has not yielded any results."



Pandit also referred to similar complaints by director Tinu Desai, who helmed 'Raniganj', and has been waiting for a Rs 25 lakh payment from the production house. "We have taken this seriously," Pandit said. "Non-payment of dues to workers, technicians, and actors without any valid reason is unacceptable, especially with both films now streaming on OTT platforms."

Pandit did not mince words regarding Bhagnani’s alleged failure to settle payments, saying, "Non-payment has become habitual as far as Vashu Bhagnani is concerned, and it's not fair at all. When someone works for a producer, they are duty-bound to pay what is owed. We appeal to Pooja Films to clear all dues as soon as possible."



In response, Bhagnani’s camp has refuted Zafar’s claims, stating that the alleged Rs 7 crore fee is subject to "various set-offs" and may not be a legitimate amount. However, Pandit has assured that the association has reviewed the director's documentation and confirmed, "We have seen the papers of Ali Abbas Zafar who has to be paid the said amount. In fact, even Tinu Desai has yet Rs 25 lakh which we have been following for several months.'"

Pandit further called out alleged added political pressure on the matter, saying, "I would request Vashu ji to stop bringing political influence on us. FWICE stands for the right and believes in true justice."



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