Just as tax officers were flipping through film files in Mumbai, veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani reportedly landed in a hospital in London.
The reason for his hospitalisation has not been shared, and more details on his health are awaited. When news agency ANI reached out, he only asked to be left alone. The news broke a day after the tax searches were reported.
What brought the taxmen
On Monday, September 28, the Income Tax Department searched about 12 places in Mumbai. The premises were linked to actress Rakul Preet Singh, her father-in-law Vashu, and Panorama Studios. A TV9 report says officials got a tip that large sums were being sent overseas under labels like film shoots, foreign distribution and production costs. In simple words, the money may have been routed abroad to fund film projects. Several teams are checking papers and records.
e total amount has not been shared either. The department has given no official details on what the searches found, and it has not confirmed any tax violation. The searches are still on, and more updates are expected
The man behind the banner
Vashu Bhagnani is a big name in Hindi cinema. He set up his banner, Pooja Entertainment, in 1995. That same year he made his producer debut with the comedy hit ‘Coolie No 1’, starring Govinda. Box office winners followed, including ‘Hero No 1’, ‘Biwi No 1’, ‘Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya’ and the romance classic ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein’.
Vashu now runs the company with his son, producer Jackky Bhagnani. In recent years the banner backed ‘Sarbjit’, ‘Bell Bottom’ and the 2024 action film ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, with Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. Jackky is married to Rakul Preet Singh.
Panorama Studios is another major name in production and distribution in the Hindi film industry. It is owned by Kumar Mangat. Its upcoming film, ‘Drishyam: The Conclusion’, opens in cinemas on October 2.
- Vashu Bhagnani
