Vashu Bhagnani hospitalised in London amid Income Tax probe

Veteran film producer Vashu Bhagnani has reportedly been hospitalised in London. The news comes at a time when the producer and people associated with his family are reportedly under the Income Tax Department’s scanner over alleged irregularities related to film financing. The exact reason for Bhagnani’s hospitalisation has not been revealed yet, and further details about his health are awaited.

Vashu Bhagnani Hospitalised in London

Reports about Vashu Bhagnani’s hospitalisation surfaced amid the ongoing developments surrounding an Income Tax Department probe. When contacted about his health, the veteran producer reportedly said that he wanted to be “left alone”. No official details have so far been shared about his medical condition or the reason behind his hospitalisation.

The development has attracted attention because it comes only days after reports of searches at locations linked to Bhagnani and his family. However, there is no confirmed information suggesting that his hospitalisation is connected to the reported investigation.

Income Tax Department Searches 12 Locations

The Income Tax Department reportedly conducted searches at 12 locations linked to Vashu Bhagnani and actor Rakul Preet Singh. The searches were reportedly part of an investigation into suspected irregularities in film funding.

According to reports, officials were examining documents, financial records and transactions related to film projects. There were also allegations that certain funds were being routed overseas in connection with film financing. Premises associated with filmmaker Kumar Mangat’s Panorama Studios were also reportedly searched.

At present, the matter remains under investigation, and no final conclusions regarding the alleged financial irregularities have been announced.

Who Is Vashu Bhagnani?

Vashu Bhagnani is a well-known name in the Hindi film industry and the founder of Pooja Entertainment. He established the production banner in 1995 and began his journey as a producer with the Govinda-starrer Coolie No. 1 in the same year.

Bhagnani went on to produce several popular films, including Hero No. 1, Biwi No. 1, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya and Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. Over the years, his production house became associated with commercial Hindi cinema and worked with several leading actors and filmmakers.

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Pooja Entertainment's Recent Setbacks

While Pooja Entertainment enjoyed considerable success in the past, the production house has faced a difficult phase in recent years. Several films associated with the banner have struggled at the box office.

These include films such as Bell Bottom, Mission Raniganj and the 2024 action film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The Varun Dhawan-led remake of Coolie No. 1 also received a mixed response after its release.

The banner’s latest release was Mere Husband Ki Biwi, which featured Rakul Preet Singh along with Arjun Kapoor and Bhumi Pednekar.

Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh

Vashu Bhagnani’s son Jackky Bhagnani initially started his career as an actor with Kal Kisne Dekha in 2009. He later gained attention with films such as F.A.L.T.U before moving towards film production.

Jackky joined his father in Pooja Entertainment and became involved in several production projects. He married actor Rakul Preet Singh in 2024. Rakul has also been associated with the production house through films produced by the Bhagnani family.

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan Controversy

Another major controversy surrounding Vashu Bhagnani emerged after the release of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The film, starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff, was reportedly made on a large budget but did not perform as expected at the box office.

Following the film’s release, Bhagnani and director Ali Abbas Zafar became involved in a public dispute. Bhagnani made allegations concerning the film’s production and financial matters, including claims of fund misuse and irregularities. Zafar denied the allegations.

- PTC PUNJABI