Veteran Hindi film producer Vashu Bhagnani has been hospitalised in London at a time when authorities are scrutinising overseas financial dealings linked to film funding. The specific medical condition behind his hospital admission has not been disclosed. When asked about his health, Bhagnani requested privacy and indicated that he wished to be left alone, with further updates regarding his condition still awaited.
Tax Authorities Search 12 Locations in Mumbai
The hospitalisation comes in the wake of coordinated search operations conducted by tax officials across 12 premises in Mumbai. These search locations included properties connected to the veteran producer, his daughter-in-law Rakul Preet Singh, and production banner Panorama Studios. The administrative operation was initiated to examine international transactions tied to recent film productions.
The investigative drive conducted by the Mumbai Income Tax Department follows allegations of financial irregularities involving overseas funds routed for film production tasks. Investigators visited multiple properties belonging to entertainment industry figures and their corporate entities to examine records. However, the precise nature of the queried financial movements and the exact sums involved remain undisclosed by investigators. Previously, Bhagnani had also engaged in a major dispute with streaming giant Netflix, accusing the OTT platform of conspiracy and fraudulent conduct.
Three Decades of Pooja Entertainment and Commercial Hits
Bhagnani began his journey in Hindi cinema production in 1995 with the launch of his production banner Pooja Entertainment. In that debut year, he backed the Govinda-led comedy Куली No. 1, which emerged as a major commercial success. His subsequent filmography included widely watched titles such as Hero No. 1, Biwi No. 1, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, and the romantic drama Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein.
In subsequent years, he has steered the production company alongside his son, producer Jackky Bhagnani. Together, they have mounted several large-scale releases, including Sarbjit, Bell Bottom, and the 2024 action release Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.
The Aftermath of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Legal Disputes
Starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan arrived in theatres on April 10, 2024, but failed to succeed at the ticket counters. The commercial downturn was followed by severe friction between the production team and the director over financial settlements. Director Ali Abbas Zafar alleged non-payment of professional dues, while NRI producer Vashu Bhagnani and Jackky Bhagnani lodged a formal complaint alleging misappropriation of project funds by Zafar.
