Kamal Ghorui
A 34-year-old actor and producer has approached the police in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, alleging that he was cheated of Rs 40 lakh by composer and filmmaker Palaash Muchhal. Police confirmed on Thursday that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered so far in the matter.The complainant, identified as Vidnyan Mane, a local resident, submitted an application seeking the registration of an FIR against Muchhal to the Sangli Superintendent of Police on Tuesday, an official told PTI.According to the complaint, Palaash Muchhal met Mane in Sangli on December 5, 2023. During their meeting, Mane reportedly expressed interest in investing in film production. Muchhal allegedly offered him the opportunity to invest as a producer in his upcoming project, Nazaria.
Alleged promise of profit and acting role
As per the complaint, Muchhal told Mane that after the film’s release on OTT platforms, he could earn a profit of Rs 12 lakh on an investment of Rs 25 lakh. He also allegedly offered Mane a role in the film.The two reportedly met twice after that, following which Mane allegedly transferred a total of Rs 40 lakh to Muchhal by March 2025.The complaint states that the project did not get completed. When Mane demanded his money back, he allegedly received no response. He then approached the Sangli police seeking action in the matter.Police officials said that a preliminary probe is currently underway.
Controversy follows personal setback
The development comes barely a month after Palaash Muchhal’s wedding to Smriti Mandhana was called off. The couple was scheduled to get married on November 23, but the wedding was postponed after Smriti’s father, Shriniwas, was hospitalised due to a heart ailment.Later, Palaash issued a statement saying that he had “decided to move on” and expressed anguish over what he described as baseless online chatter. He had urged people to reflect before amplifying unverified claims.
Palaash Muchhal shifts focus back to films
After maintaining a relatively low profile in recent weeks, Palaash Muchhal has now shifted his attention back to professional commitments. The composer-turned-filmmaker is set to begin work on his next directorial project, marking a return to cinema following a period of heightened public attention.The yet-untitled film will feature Shreyas Talpade in a key role and is expected to go on floors soon. Set against the backdrop of Mumbai, the project will see Shreyas Talpade playing a common man, with Palaash Muchhal directing the film himself.While details about the storyline, supporting cast, and release timeline remain under wraps, shooting is believed to begin shortly in Mumbai.
