Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Veteran film producer Vashu Bhagnani has been hospitalised in London amid an Income Tax Department probe into film funding irregularities. The medical development follows search operations conducted by tax officials across 12 Mumbai locations linked to the veteran producer, his daughter-in-law actor Rakul Preet Singh, and production company Panorama Studios over alleged overseas financial transactions connected to film projects.
The exact reason for his hospitalisation has not been disclosed. When contacted regarding his health condition, Bhagnani requested privacy, stating he wished to be left “alone”, as reported by ANI. Further details regarding his health status remain awaited.
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The Mumbai Income Tax Department’s search operations stem from alleged financial discrepancies regarding money reportedly routed abroad to finance film production ventures.
According to sources, tax authorities searched several premises associated with the film figures and their production banners. However, the specific nature of the questioned transactions and the total sums involved remain undisclosed.
A veteran figure in Hindi cinema, Vashu Bhagnani founded his production banner, Pooja Entertainment, in 1995. He made his debut as a producer that same year with the hit comedy Coolie No 1, starring Govinda. Over the years, Bhagnani backed a string of box office successes, including Hero No 1, Biwi No 1, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, and the romance classic Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein.
In recent years, Pooja Entertainment—managed alongside his son, producer Jackky Bhagnani — backed several prominent releases, including Sarbjit, Bell Bottom, and the 2024 action film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, featuring actors Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff.
Rakul Preet Singh is married to producer Jackky Bhagnani, son of Vashu Bhagnani. While the Bhagnani family has been associated with Pooja Entertainment, Panorama Studios is another prominent production and distribution company in the Hindi film industry.
Meanwhile, Panorama Studios is owned by Kumar Mangat. Their upcoming film, Drishyam: The Conclusion, is set to hit cinemas on October 2.
The Income Tax Department has so far issued no official details regarding the search results or confirmed if any tax violations have been detected.
The searches are currently ongoing as tax authorities continue their probe, with additional updates expected.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
