Veteran Hindi film producer Vashu Bhagnani has been hospitalised in London. The reason for his admission has not been made public. When approached for comment, Bhagnani asked to be left alone, and further details about his condition are still awaited.
The development comes a day after the Mumbai Income Tax Department conducted searches at 12 locations linked to Bhagnani, his daughter-in-law Rakul Preet Singh and Panorama Studios. The operation was carried out over suspected fund irregularities. Investigators are examining claims that funds may have been routed abroad under the pretext of financing film projects. Teams are verifying documents, financial records and other details related to the alleged overseas transactions.
Bhagnani is a long-standing figure in the Hindi film industry. He founded Pooja Entertainment in 1995 and made his debut as a producer with the Govinda-starrer Coolie No. 1 the same year. Over the years he has produced several films, including Hero No. 1, Biwi No. 1, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya and Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. Under the same banner he later backed projects such as Sarbjit, Bell Bottom and the 2024 action film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, starring Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff. The production house is now headed by his son Jackky Bhagnani and continues to work across theatrical releases, digital projects and other entertainment ventures.
Authorities are continuing their examination of the financial records to determine the nature and purpose of the transactions under scrutiny.
