Actor Satendra Soni filed an FIR against director Pushpendra Singh and his wife, producer Pragiti Chauhan, on Thursday.
The Laapataa Ladies actor confirms to us, “Yes, we have finally taken the legal route as earlier we just filed a complaint in Madhya Pradesh, where the shoot took place in June. I had to take this action for myself and all other actors who get trapped in such fraudulent film deals. Pushpendra Singh has been doing this with many other actors as well—woh toh industry se bhi nahin hai, I feel. I am not the first one. Aur meri yeh ladai paise ki nahin hain, respect ki hain.”
On finally taking the step to file an FIR, Soni reveals, “I was scared to take this step before—darra hua tha main—it was when people came forward to help and AICWA stood by me that I could take this step. Main ek chhota kalakaar hoon, but isse meri respect kam toh nahin ho jaati. Pushpendra and Pragiti took advantage of my vulnerability (kamzori). Maar-peet, gali-galoch toh jhailne ke liye koi nahin aaya.”
The actor adds, “Ab mujhe trust issues hone lage hain, and I have lost all peace of mind. Recently I got a few offers, and I was not able to trust them, thinking maybe I won’t get trapped again. I believe the law will take its course, and I want strict action to be taken against them now that the FIR is in place.” The actor awaits the release of his next Mirzapur-The Movie as he slowly resumes work.
S Farah Rizvi writes on Bollywood, OTT, television and culture for the daily Entertainment & Lifestyle supplement, HT City.