Music composer Palash Muchhal finds himself embroiled in yet another controversy, this time facing serious allegations of financial fraud and personal misconduct from Marathi actor-producer Vidnyan Mane. The accusations come in the wake of Muchhal's highly publicized breakup with Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana, adding another layer of drama to an already tumultuous situation.
Explosive Allegations from Vidnyan Mane
Vidnyan Mane, who claims to be a childhood friend of Smriti Mandhana, has come forward with shocking claims against Palash Muchhal. He alleges that the composer cheated him of over Rs 40 lakh in connection with an investment in an unreleased film titled Nazariya. The film, announced in December 2024, was supposed to mark Mane's foray into Bollywood production under his banner, Vidnyan Mane Studios.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Mane made even more sensational claims about Muchhal's personal life. "I was at the wedding celebrations in November 2025 when he was caught red-handed with another woman in bed," Mane alleged. "It was a horrifying scene. He was beaten up by Indian female cricketers present at the event."
Financial Coercion Claims
Mane further detailed his financial grievances against the Muchhal family. He claimed that when he met Palash's mother, Amita Muchhal, last month, she informed him that the film's budget had increased to Rs 1.5 crore. "I was asked to invest another Rs 10 lakh or risk losing my entire investment," Mane stated. "I was threatened with removal from the project, leaving me with no choice but to file a complaint."
The actor-producer added that after the wedding was officially called off, he was allegedly blocked by the Muchhal family across all communication platforms. "I later discovered that several other artists associated with the film had not been paid either," he revealed. "I had heard of producers being cheated in the industry, but this felt like outright theft."
Legal Rebuttal from Muchhal's Camp
Palash Muchhal's advocate, Shreyansh Mithare, issued a strong rebuttal to the allegations, questioning both their credibility and timing. "Vidnyan claims he has paid us money, but there is no evidence of whether this payment was made via cheque or bank transfer," Mithare stated. "As for the allegations of Palash being caught with another woman, where is the evidence?"
The lawyer emphasized the lack of direct association between Muchhal and Mane. "We don't even know this individual personally; we were introduced to him through Smriti's father, Shrinivas. There has been no direct association with him. Why did he remain silent for so long? It is only after the wedding was called off that he has surfaced."
Muchhal's Official Statement
In response to the mounting allegations, Palash Muchhal issued an official statement via his Instagram Stories. "In light of the allegations made by Sangli-based Vidnyan Mane on social media, I wish to clarify that these claims are entirely baseless and factually incorrect," he wrote. "They appear to be driven by malicious intent to damage my reputation. My lawyer, Shreyansh Mithare, is examining all legal avenues, and the matter will be addressed strictly through appropriate legal channels."
Background of the Muchhal-Mandhana Relationship
The controversy emerges against the backdrop of Palash Muchhal's failed engagement to Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana. The couple was set to marry on November 23, 2025, but the wedding was initially described as postponed due to health emergencies within the family before being officially called off. Neither party has publicly disclosed the exact reasons behind the decision to end their relationship.
Vidnyan Mane's allegations suggest that infidelity may have played a role in the breakup, though this remains unconfirmed by either Muchhal or Mandhana directly. The timing of Mane's accusations, coming shortly after the wedding cancellation, has raised questions about motivations and credibility from both sides.
Industry Implications and Legal Proceedings
The dispute highlights the complex financial relationships and personal entanglements that sometimes characterize the Indian entertainment industry. With both parties threatening legal action and Mane promising to submit evidence to police, this controversy appears far from resolved.
As the situation develops, industry observers are watching closely to see how these serious allegations will impact Palash Muchhal's career and reputation, particularly following his high-profile relationship with one of India's most celebrated cricketers. The case also raises questions about financial transparency in film production and the personal costs of celebrity relationships in the public eye.
