FIR shock: Sanjay Leela Bhansali accused of cheating, assault in Rajasthan

Jaipur: In a dramatic turn of events, celebrated filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been booked in Rajasthan after a Jodhpur-based producer accused him of cheating, breach of trust, and even physical assault.

The FIR, filed late Monday at Bichwal police station in Bikaner, names Bhansali along with his managers Utkarsh Bali and Arvind Gill of Bhansali Productions.

According to the complaint by Prateek Raj Mathur, CEO of Radha Films and Hospitality, he was appointed as the line producer for Bhansali’s upcoming big-budget romantic war drama ‘Love and War’, but was later sidelined without payment or a formal agreement.

Mathur claims he received an email confirming his role and went on to handle government clearances, administrative support, and security for the crew during the August shoot in Bikaner. However, he alleges the production house not only dropped him but also misbehaved with him at Hotel Narendra Bhawan on August 17.

The shocking allegation includes claims that Mathur was pushed, insulted, and threatened that his company’s future projects would be sabotaged.

Initially, police had refused to register the case, but Mathur approached the court, which directed the FIR to be lodged. The investigation is now underway.

This isn’t the first time Bhansali has faced hostility in Rajasthan. His 2018 release Padmaavat had triggered violent protests before hitting screens.

Meanwhile, anticipation remains sky-high for ‘Love and War’, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal, with industry buzz suggesting the first look may drop on Ranbir’s birthday, September 28.

Police say they are recording statements and examining evidence before deciding the next step.