Telgi, Bollywood: A love story

Later, SIT sources reveal they found evidence that Telgi ran finance company, Sana Movies International. A banner under which he launched Biwi Kamaal Ki Saali Dhamaal Ki in 2000 at Ketnav Studios, Bandra, where singer Udit Narayan and his wife played chief guests. Police say, he even financed TV serials like Chainpur Ki Dastaan and Ani Gulmohar Phule Lagla. ‘‘Telgi had made so much money that when a close friend suggested he invest in films, he launched his own finance company named after his only daughter, Sana,’’ said an officer.

Sharma was aware of these developments too. ‘‘We’d learnt about Telgi’s alleged investments in a few films. I’d even asked a few distributors to furnish documents.’’ Sources say films under investigation include Nitin Manmohan’s Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Harmesh Malhotra’s Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare and Ayesha Shroff’s Jis Desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai.

All three producers deny the charge. ‘‘A director’s relative had invested Rs 4 lakh but they later withdrew,’’ said Malhotra. Manmohan rubbishes the allegation. ‘‘Who is Telgi? We learnt about him only through the newspapers.’’ Shroff said: ‘‘They had approached us, but we refused.’’