Satendra Soni, known for his role as Chhotu in Laapataa Ladies, has accused the makers of the upcoming film Ped Palki of non-payment, verbal abuse, and physical intimidation. He released a distress video on social media detailing the alleged incidents during a shoot in Madhya Pradesh.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to Soni, director-producer Pushpendra Singh brought him to Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, for a 10-day shoot after paying a minimal advance of ₹50,000. Despite completing seven to eight days of filming, the remaining dues were withheld. Soni claimed that multiple crew members were also unpaid.
When Soni demanded his pending remuneration, the production abruptly wrapped his segments. He alleged that the makers gave him a 10-minute ultimatum to check out of his hotel under threats of physical violence. Furthermore, he accused the lead actress and producer's wife, Pragati Chauhan, of hurling heavy verbal abuse at him.
Safety Concerns and Escape
Fearing for his safety, Soni checked out immediately. Along with co-actors Shridhar Dubey and Pankaj Sharma, he began walking away on foot. The makers allegedly pursued and tracked them by car, leading to severe panic and safety concerns.
After the emotional video went viral, considerable concern grew across social media platforms because Soni temporarily went silent online. Reports have verified that Soni and his colleagues managed to flee the location and safely reached Mumbai.
Current Status
The claims made in the video remain personal allegations, as local law enforcement and the accused production house have not released formal counter-statements regarding the matter. Soni has since returned to Mumbai and is reportedly safe.
