Ramesh Taurani backs Vashu Bhagnani in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan row: ‘Don’t think he’s that kind of producer’

Ramesh Taurani, co-founder of Tips Industries, has commented on the ongoing Bade Miyan Chote Miyan controversy, supporting producers Vashu Bhagnani and his son Jackky Bhagnani of Pooja Entertainment.

Ramesh Taurani recently weighed in on Bade Miyan Chote Miyan row, expressing that he doesn’t believe Vashu Bhagnani to be "that kind of producer." (Images: Facebook)

Though those who watched the film have been trying their best to erase it from their minds due to its subpar quality, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024) seems unlikely to fade anytime soon as the controversy surrounding its production has escalated, with even non-cast and crew members weighing in. Now, Ramesh Taurani, co-founder of the music record label and film production and distribution company Tips Industries, has commented on the row, coming out in support of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’s (BMCM) producers.

The controversy began after the movie bombed at the box office, following which many who worked on it, particularly on the technical side, came forward claiming they had not been paid by the producers, Vashu Bhagnani and his son Jackky Bhagnani of Pooja Entertainment. The matter intensified when it reached the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), following a complaint filed by the film’s director Ali Abbas Zafar against the producers. In addition to Zafar, directors Tinu Desai and Vikas Bahl — who helmed Pooja Entertainment’s Mission Raniganj (2023) and Ganpath (2023), respectively — have also lodged complaints against the production company for unpaid dues. In retaliation, the Bhagnanis filed a police complaint against Zafar, accusing him of “misappropriation of funds”.

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Amidst all this, Ramesh Taurani weighed in on the controversy, expressing his belief that the issue would soon be resolved. He added that he doesn’t believe Vashu Bhagnani is “that kind of producer”. “Whatever happened will be cleared up and they will move forward. I don’t think he’s the kind of producer who would do something like this. He’s been around since 1995. I have never heard of him doing something like this with anyone’s money before. I think it’s a misunderstanding, and they’ll make sure it’s sorted out,” he said during a chat with The Indian Express.

Although the Bhagnanis have filed a complaint against him, Ali Abbas Zafar has received strong backing from the cast and crew of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, who are defending him against accusations of “criminal conspiracy” and “misappropriation of funds”.

Watch our interview with Ramesh Taurani here:

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The Bhagnanis’ 17-page complaint outlines their grievances, accusing Zafar and his business partners of entrapping them in a conspiracy. They further alleged that Ali had “siphoned off subsidy funds from Abu Dhabi authorities” during the shoot and “hijacked” the Akshay Kumar-Tiger Shroff starrer.

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Actor Ronit Roy also recently criticised Vashu Bhagnani, revealing that his payment for Bade Miyan Chote Miyan was delayed until Ali Abbas Zafar’s associate Himanshu Mehra intervened. “The money was supposed to come from Vashu Bhagnani and it came from Vashu Bhagnani, but that happened only after Himanshu Mehra (who works with Ali Abbas Zafar) intervened. And when it came to the dues of my staff and my security company that guarded the sets in Mumbai, it was all very much delayed and we got that also due to Himanshu,” the actor said during a chat with Zoom.

Nawaz Javed Kochra

Nawaz Javed Kochra is a seasoned entertainment journalist at The Indian Express Online, bringing nearly a decade of expertise to the forefront of cultural reporting. With a focus on the television and Over-The-Top (OTT) landscapes, he has established himself as a prominent voice in the industry, known for his high-profile celebrity interviews and insightful coverage of the Indian entertainment sector. Experience & Career Nawaz holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Mumbai University, providing him with a rigorous academic and ethical foundation. In his 11-year career, he has navigated through several of India's leading media houses, building a portfolio that spans digital, print, and broadcast media: The Indian Express: Currently leads coverage of TV and OTT content, producing both written analysis and popular video interview segments. Former Roles: He began his career at the iconic Stardust Magazine and later held key positions at Zoom TV, Zee Multimedia, MissMalini, Bollywood Bubble, and Raindrop Media. Expertise & Focus Areas Nawaz’s beat is characterized by a blend of exclusive access and trend analysis. His core areas of expertise include: Reality Television: Specialized coverage of major franchises like Bigg Boss, providing behind-the-scenes insights and winner profiles. OTT Ecosystem: Tracking the shift from traditional cable to digital streaming platforms, with a focus on web series and digital premieres. Celebrity Profiles & Interviews: Nawaz is celebrated for his ability to foster candid conversations with industry stalwarts, from music composers like Amaal Mallik to other TV legends. Investigative Entertainment News: Reporting on sensitive industry developments, including legal disputes and personal stories of resilience within the acting community. Authoritativeness & Trust With a reputation built on years of networking and credible reporting, Nawaz Kochra is a "known face" in the Mumbai media circuit. His work at The Indian Express adheres to the publication's "Journalism of Courage" standard, ensuring that even entertainment reporting is approached with accuracy, sensitivity, and transparency. His educational background and extensive tenure across diverse media platforms provide him with the authoritative perspective required to analyze the rapid evolution of Indian show business. ... Read More

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