Laapataa Ladies Actor Satendra Soni Files FIR Against Filmmakers Over Alleged Abuse and Exploitation

Mumbai: Satendra Soni, the actor widely recognized for his performance in the Aamir Khan-produced hit Laapataa Ladies, has taken formal legal action against filmmaker Pushpendra Singh and his wife, actor Pragati Chauhan. Soni has filed a Zero FIR alleging a harrowing ordeal during the production of their film, Paid Paalki, citing non-payment of dues, physical assault, intimidation, and wrongful confinement.

The allegations stem from a shoot in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, in June, where Soni claims he was subjected to not only financial exploitation but also targeted harassment due to his dwarfism.

A Pattern of Alleged Abuse

In his complaint, Soni—who has previously appeared in notable projects such as Doctor G and Bawaal—detailed a toxic environment on the set of Paid Paalki. He alleged that the production lacked basic amenities, including proper vanity vans and decent food. More disturbingly, Soni claimed he was ridiculed for his appearance, with locals on set allegedly picking him up for photos without his consent, a breach of dignity that he claims went unaddressed by the filmmakers.

When Soni attempted to address these concerns, the situation escalated. He alleges that he was subjected to verbal abuse, including derogatory slurs regarding his height, by Pragati Chauhan. Following his request for the agreed-upon remuneration of ₹3 lakh, Soni claims the production team turned hostile, leading to a state of panic that went unsupported by the crew.

Claims of Physical Assault and Threats

The situation reached a breaking point when Soni and co-star Shreedhar Dubey attempted to leave the project. Soni alleges that they were assaulted by the filmmakers, who also issued death threats and warned that they would implicate the actors in false legal cases. According to the complaint, the couple also threatened to die by suicide and leave the actors’ names in a suicide note if they persisted in their demands for payment.

AICWA Steps In

The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has thrown its weight behind Soni and Dubey, terming the allegations of "brutal assault and forced confinement" as deeply concerning. AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta has been instrumental in navigating the legal process, even facilitating a meeting between the actors and Maharashtra State Home Minister Yogesh Ramdas Kadam to ensure the matter received prompt attention.

"We consider these allegations particularly serious," an AICWA spokesperson stated. "If an established actor like Satendra Soni can face such blatant exploitation, it begs the question of what smaller, more vulnerable technicians and workers on such sets must endure."

Legal Proceedings

The FIR, filed at Mumbai’s Oshiwara Police Station, invokes several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, covering charges of voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation.

While the legal battle moves forward, the industry is watching closely. Soni, who is also slated to appear in the upcoming Mirzapur project, remains hopeful for justice. The Laapataa Ladies actor’s case has reignited conversations regarding the safety and working conditions of actors on independent film sets, with the AICWA demanding a transparent investigation free from external influence.

The accused filmmakers have not yet publicly responded to the specific allegations. As the investigation is currently underway, these charges remain to be proven in a court of law.