Actor Tiger Shroff has stepped up to financially assist focus puller CH Ravi Kumar after it was reported that Pooja Entertainment, the production company, hasn’t settled payments for its cast and crew. Kumar, who contributed to the Mudassar Aziz-directed Mere Husband Ki Biwi produced by Vashu Bhagnani and son Jackky, had sustained injuries a few months back and was facing difficulties to cover his expenses. Notably, Tiger was part of the movie Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, which was also produced by Pooja Entertainment.
After news reports brought attention to Pooja Entertainment’s failure to compensate its film crew, including Kumar, the focus puller shared with the website about recent events. Expressing gratitude, he mentioned, “It was very kind of Tiger to step forward when he read about my plight. The production has still not paid me but Tiger stepped in. His mother and father called me yesterday and I spoke to them. Many years ago even Jackie sir (actor Jackie Shroff) had helped my brother, who was injured while working on a film. I’m touched by Tiger’s gesture and this is a huge respite for me..” While Ravi Kumar didn’t disclose the precise amount received from Tiger, he acknowledged that it was a substantial sum in the “lakhs.”
Initial reports indicated that Kumar received a portion of his payment subsequent to his urgent appeals to settle his outstanding dues, prompted by a family member’s severe illness. Despite making repeated requests, Kumar encountered difficulties in obtaining the entirety of his owed payment, “The balance was Rs 1,56,000. Later, I had an accident in June so I called the person in the production house, who said he would pay me but never did. Then I was given some other number, but again there was no response. I was bedridden for eight months, I exhausted my insurance money, and took a loan to pay my hospital bills. Even from my hospital bed, I kept calling, but I was only given excuses. I am a focus puller, but after the accident, because I can’t walk normally, I am not getting enough work,” he revealed.
He continued, “My HoD was shooting with Akshay Kumar on another film, when I called them because the Pooja Entertainment executive spoke to me so rudely while I was still in bed, it just broke me. Then some calls were made and then they paid me Rs 50,000. Rest of the money, Rs 1,06,000 is still unpaid. It is a huge amount for a person like me, I break down frequently because this amount can help me.”
Beyond Ravi Kumar, a significant number of cast and crew members involved in projects under Pooja Entertainment’s banner are yet to receive their rightful payments. An official report by indianexpress.com unveiled that even the prominent leads from the film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, such as Tiger Shroff, Sonakshi Sinha, Alaya F, and Manushi Chhillar, are among those waiting for their compensation.
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