Daijiworld Media Network - Sangli
Sangli, Jan 23: Music composer and filmmaker Palash Muchhal has once again landed in controversy after a 34-year-old actor and producer approached the police in Maharashtra’s Sangli district, alleging that he was cheated of Rs 40 lakh. Police confirmed the development on Thursday, stating that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered so far and that a preliminary inquiry is underway.
According to police sources, Vidnyan Mane, a resident of Sangli, submitted an application on Tuesday to the Superintendent of Police seeking registration of an FIR against Muchhal. In his complaint, Mane alleged that he met Muchhal in Sangli on December 5, 2023, during which discussions took place regarding investment in film production.
The complainant claimed that Muchhal offered him an opportunity to invest as a producer in his upcoming film titled Nazaria. Muchhal allegedly assured Mane that an investment of Rs 25 lakh would yield a profit of Rs 12 lakh once the film was released on OTT platforms. He also reportedly promised Mane a role in the film.
Following multiple meetings, Mane alleged that he transferred a total of Rs 40 lakh to Muchhal by March 2025. However, the project was allegedly never completed. When Mane demanded his money back, he claimed he received no response from the filmmaker, prompting him to approach the police.
A senior police official said that the matter is currently under preliminary investigation and further action will be taken after examining the details of the complaint.
The controversy comes close on the heels of reports that Palash Muchhal’s wedding with Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana was called off. The couple, who had been in a long-term relationship, were scheduled to marry on November 23, but the ceremony was postponed after Mandhana’s father was hospitalised due to a heart ailment. Subsequently, reports surfaced alleging issues between the two, following which both issued separate statements announcing the decision to call off the wedding.
In his statement at the time, Muchhal said he had decided to move on and expressed distress over what he termed as baseless rumours surrounding his personal life.