In a dramatic turn of events, actor-producer Vidnyan Mane has leveled serious allegations against singer-composer Palaash Muchhal, accusing him of cheating Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and also defrauding Mane himself of more than Rs 40 lakh in connection with an unreleased film project. The controversy has sent shockwaves through both the entertainment and sports communities in India.
Formal Complaint Filed in Sangli
Vidnyan Mane, 34, has taken legal action by filing a formal complaint with the police in Sangli, Maharashtra. Mane claims to be a childhood friend of Smriti Mandhana and states that he was introduced to Palaash Muchhal through the Mandhana family. This personal connection adds a layer of complexity to the allegations, intertwining professional disputes with personal relationships.
Explosive Wedding Incident Allegations
Speaking exclusively to Hindustan Times, Mane made startling claims about an incident during wedding celebrations in November 2025. He alleged that Palaash Muchhal was caught red-handed with another woman in bed, leading to a chaotic scene. "I was at the wedding celebrations on November 23, 2025, when he was caught with another woman. It was a terrifying scene, and he was reportedly beaten up by Indian female cricketers present at the event," Mane recounted. He further expressed his disappointment, stating, "I thought he would get married and settle in Sangli, but everything has completely backfired on me."
Film Investment Dispute and Blackmail Claims
The financial aspect of the controversy revolves around an unreleased film involving Palaash Muchhal and his family. Mane alleges that he invested over Rs 40 lakh in this project but was later pressured to contribute more funds. "When I met his mother, Amita Muchhal, last month, she informed me that the budget to release the movie had increased to Rs 1.5 crore. They demanded an additional Rs 10 lakh investment, threatening that I wouldn't get any money back otherwise," Mane claimed. He described this as a form of blackmail, saying he was threatened with exclusion from the film, which forced him to file the complaint.
Communication Breakdown After Wedding Cancellation
According to Mane, all communication with the Muchhal family ceased abruptly after the wedding between Palaash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana was called off. "After the wedding was cancelled, the family blocked me from everywhere. I discovered that other artists involved in the movie had also not received their due payments," he revealed. Mane expressed his frustration, noting, "I had heard of directors fleecing producers in the film industry, but this feels like complete theft." He also alleged receiving threats and claimed that the film, despite being ready for release, has seen no progress.
Mane's Next Steps and Evidence Collection
Vidnyan Mane has stated his intention to expose what he calls the truth behind the Muchhal family. He emphasized his preparedness to provide evidence to authorities. "I have saved all proofs, including my chats and phone conversations, which I am willing to share with the police and the media," he asserted, indicating a determined approach to pursue the matter legally.
Palaash Muchhal's Denial and Legal Response
In response to these allegations, Palaash Muchhal issued a strong denial through an Instagram story. His statement read, "In light of the allegations made by Sangli-based Vidnyan Mane on social media, I wish to state that these claims against me are entirely baseless and factually incorrect. They have been made with malicious intent to tarnish my reputation, and they will not go unchallenged." He confirmed that his lawyer, Shreyansh Mithare, is exploring all legal avenues to address the matter through appropriate channels.
Lawyer Questions Credibility and Timing
Shreyansh Mithare, representing Palaash Muchhal, raised doubts about the credibility and timing of Vidnyan Mane's allegations. "He claims to have paid us money, but there is no evidence whether it was by cheque or bank transfer. Regarding the allegations about Palaash being caught with another woman, what is the evidence? We don't know this guy; we met him through Smriti's father, Shrinivas. We have no direct connection with him," Mithare stated. He questioned why Mane remained silent for so long, suggesting that the allegations surfaced only after the marriage broke down, and confirmed that Palaash is considering legal options.
Background on the Cancelled Wedding
The wedding between Palaash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana, originally scheduled for November 23, 2025, faced multiple setbacks. It was first postponed due to health emergencies in both families and was permanently called off in December 2025. Amid speculation about infidelity, both parties released statements confirming the cancellation. Smriti Mandhana clarified the situation and requested privacy during this difficult period, highlighting the personal toll of the events.
This unfolding saga blends elements of celebrity drama, financial disputes, and legal battles, capturing public attention across India. As both sides prepare their cases, the entertainment and sports worlds await further developments in this high-profile controversy.
