Jackky Bhagnani’s production house, Pooja Entertainment, has found itself at the center of a significant controversy. Multiple crew members have stepped forward, accusing the company of non-payment of dues, as well as displaying unprofessional behavior. The Bhagnani-led studio, which has been involved in successful projects such as “Bell Bottom,” “Mission Raniganj,” “Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein,” “Biwi No.1,” and recently “Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,” is now facing the brunt of public scrutiny as grievances from workers have emerged on social media.
Among the voices calling out Pooja Entertainment is Ruchita Kamble, a crew member who took to Instagram to share her experience, along with that of her colleagues. Kamble’s post drew significant attention as she detailed the frustration and hardships her team had endured while trying to secure their rightful payments.
“Not one to usually make such posts, but sometimes people need to be exposed! Watching my team and the crew who worked tirelessly with me struggle day in and day out just to receive our hard-earned money has compelled me to speak out,” Kamble wrote. Along with her detailed narrative, she shared screenshots of others who echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the pervasive issue within the production house.
She continued, “The utter disregard shown by Pooja Entertainment coupled with their unprofessional and unethical behavior is intolerable. We have been shuffled from one person to another, seeking the money that was promised to us within 45-60 working days post-completion of our work. Even that timeframe is unprofessional, but the crew accepted it owing to our passion for filmmaking. However, exploiting this passion to such an extent is unacceptable.”
Kamble’s post urged others within the industry to take notice of these practices and stand against it. “There’s no hope of getting paid, but this post is to make countless others aware of the fraudulent practices by @pooja_ent, @jackkybhagnani, and @vashubhagnani. I vouch to not work with them again and encourage my friends and peers to share this message. If you’re associated with any media houses, please help escalate this issue or cover this story.”
This wasn’t an isolated complaint. Another crew member, who chose to remain anonymous, also shared their ordeal. “I did a movie two years ago with a well-known production house.
. Along with at least 100 other crew members, I have been waiting for two months’ salaries for the past two years. Meanwhile, actors have been paid immediately because of their status. Producers haven’t provided any answers to our questions: ‘Where is my hard-earned money?’ and ‘When can I get it?’.”
The grievances did not end there. Another worker pointed out the inadequate working conditions provided by the production house, alleging, “They’re indeed the worst. They think flying you to an outdoor location is enough. After that, they can’t even arrange food for the crew and will keep workers’ payments on hold. Unfortunately, a lot depends on your Head of Department.”
With the mounting complaints, it appears that Pooja Entertainment’s internal practices are under significant scrutiny. The production house, known for its star-studded movies and successful projects, is now being questioned about its treatment of the very foundation of its operations – its crew.
As these allegations gain traction, the pressure on the Bhagnanis’ production house to respond and rectify the situation increases. Industry professionals have started to take notice, and the ripple effects could lead to broader discussions about fair treatment and prompt payments in the film industry. It remains to be seen how Pooja Entertainment will address these allegations and whether steps will be taken to ensure timely payments and better working conditions moving forward.
The controversy surrounding Pooja Entertainment not only puts the spotlight on this particular production house but also raises wider concerns about labor practices in the film industry. As more crew members feel empowered to share their experiences, it becomes evident that issues of non-payment and unprofessional behavior are not isolated incidents but may be part of a larger systemic problem.
The coming days are crucial for Pooja Entertainment and its leadership. Their response to these accusations will be pivotal in shaping their reputation and in potentially prompting industry-wide reforms. For now, the industry watches closely, hoping for resolutions that honor the hard work and dedication of all crew members.
