Satendra Soni, an actor who appeared in the critically acclaimed film Laapataa Ladies, broke down in tears during a media interaction on Wednesday, alleging that he has not been paid his full remuneration for his work and that he faced threats on the film set. Soni, who played a supporting role in the Aamir Khan Productions film, claimed that the production team has been avoiding his calls and that he has been left in a state of financial distress.
Allegations of Non-Payment
In a video that has since gone viral, Soni is seen weeping as he recounts his experience. He stated that he was promised a certain amount for his role but has only received a fraction of it. “I worked hard for this film, and I was told I would be paid a specific sum. But after the film’s release, the producers stopped taking my calls. I have not been paid my full dues, and I am struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
Soni further alleged that when he tried to follow up on his payment, he was threatened by some members of the production team. “They told me to stop bothering them or face consequences. I am scared for my safety,” he added.
Background of the Film
Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Aamir Khan, was released in March 2024 to positive reviews. The film, set in rural India, tells the story of two brides who get swapped during a train journey. It stars Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastava in lead roles. Satendra Soni played a minor but notable character in the film.
Industry Reaction
The actor’s allegations have sparked a debate about the treatment of supporting actors in the film industry. Many have come out in support of Soni, calling for fair payment practices. However, representatives of the production company have not yet issued a statement regarding the allegations.
According to sources close to the production, the matter is being looked into. “We are aware of the video and are trying to reach out to Satendra to resolve the issue amicably,” an unnamed source said.
Impact on the Actor
Soni revealed that the non-payment has severely affected his mental health and finances. “I have a family to support, and I don’t know what to do. I am sharing my story so that other actors don’t have to go through the same,” he said. The video has garnered widespread attention on social media, with many users expressing solidarity with the actor and calling for a thorough investigation.
