After Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) president BN Tiwari on Friday claimed that veteran filmmaker Vashu Bhagnani owes over Rs 65 lakh to crew members who worked on three of his films (‘Mission Raniganj’, ‘Ganpat’ and ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’), producer Jacky Bhagnani has issued a new statement in this regard and said that lead star Akshay Kumar has asked to put his payments on hold until the entire cast and crew are paid their dues.

Bhagnani said in a statement, “Akshay Sir recently met me to discuss the matter. Upon learning about the situation, Akshay Sir did not hesitate to come forward and show his support to the crew. He insisted that their payments be put on hold until every cast and crew member who has worked on our projects receives their full and final payment.”

Bhagnani added, “We are extremely grateful to Akshay Sir for his wisdom and his willingness to stand by us during these difficult times. The film business is built on strong relationships and that is the spirit we strive to foster at Pooja Entertainment.”

FWICE president BN Tiwari had earlier claimed that Bhagnani’s company Pooja Entertainment owed Rs 33.13 lakh to director Tinu Desai, who directed his 2023 film ‘Mission Raniganj’ starring Akshay Kumar in the lead role. Tiwari said Pooja Entertainment owed Rs 31.78 lakh to over 250 set workers who worked on films like ‘Mission Raniganj’, Tiger Shroff’s ‘Ganapath’ (2023) and Akshay Kumar and Shroff’s ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ (2024).

Pooja Entertainment has given hits like ‘Coolie No. 1’, ‘Hero No. 1’, Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda’s ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, ‘Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai’, ‘Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein’. However, it is worth noting that some of their recent releases failed to do well at the box office.