Bollywood Actor Deepak Tijori Falls Victim to Rs 2.5 Lakh Film Funding Scam
Police have registered a formal case against three individuals for allegedly cheating Bollywood actor and filmmaker Deepak Tijori. The scam involved a sum of Rs 2.5 lakh, taken under false pretenses of arranging financial backing for his upcoming film project. A police official confirmed the development on Thursday, detailing the sequence of events that led to the complaint.
How the Alleged Fraud Unfolded
Deepak Tijori was actively searching for investors to fund a new film when a friend introduced him to one of the accused persons. This individual claimed strong connections with a music company and promised to secure the necessary funding. The initial contact seemed promising, setting the stage for further deception.
In February last year, Tijori met another accused, a woman who presented herself as an established film producer. She assured the actor that she could easily arrange multiple investors for his project. To facilitate this process, she demanded an upfront payment of Rs 5 lakh from Tijori.
The Broken Promises and Missing Money
Deepak Tijori reportedly paid Rs 2.5 lakh as the first installment of the demanded amount. The accused persons signed a formal agreement with him and promised to deliver a Letter of Interest from a well-known content company within one week. This document was supposed to confirm serious investor interest in Tijori's film.
However, the promised letter never materialized. After receiving the payment, the accused individuals began avoiding all communication. They stopped answering Tijori's phone calls and ignored his messages completely. The actor soon realized he had been duped in a carefully planned scam.
Police Action and Investigation
Suspecting foul play, Deepak Tijori approached the Bangur Nagar police station last month and filed a formal complaint. Based on his detailed account, the police registered a case against all three accused persons. Authorities have confirmed that all individuals involved will be summoned for thorough questioning.
An active investigation is currently underway to uncover the full extent of the fraud. Police are examining the signed agreement and tracing the movement of the cheated funds. The case highlights the risks filmmakers face when seeking financial backing in the competitive entertainment industry.
Deepak Tijori's Cinematic Journey
The actor began his career in the late 1980s with minor roles before achieving his breakthrough in the 1990 hit film Aashiqui. He went on to appear in several successful movies including Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, Khiladi, and the beloved classic Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar.
In 1993, Tijori played the lead role in Pehla Nasha, though the film failed to make a significant impact commercially. He later transitioned to directing, making his directorial debut with Oops in 2003. His most recent directorial venture, Tippsy, released earlier this year in 2024.
