Arushi Nishank, daughter of former Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, has accused a Mumbai-based film producer couple of cheating her out of ₹4 crore. She claimed that the couple, Varun Pramod Kumar Bagla and Mansi Bagla, who own Mini Films, lured her into investing the amount with promises of a 20% return and a role in their film but failed to deliver on either.
Following her complaint, Dehradun police registered an FIR at Kotwali police station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including extortion, cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. Kotwali station house officer Chandrabhan Singh confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Investment for Role in Film Gone Wrong
Arushi, who owns the production house Himshrri Films, alleged that the couple visited her home in Dehradun and offered her a role in the movie Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, which was to feature actors Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor. They allegedly assured her that she would be able to finalize her script and, if dissatisfied with her role, her investment would be returned with a 15% annual interest.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Himshrri Films and Mini Films on October 9, 2024. As per Arushi’s claims, she initially transferred ₹2 crore, followed by ₹25 lakh on October 27, ₹75 lakh on October 30, and ₹1 crore on November 19—amounting to a total investment of ₹4 crore.
However, despite repeated assurances, Arushi stated that she was never given the promised role, nor was her investment returned. On February 2, 2025, she received a message informing her that the film’s shooting in India had been completed and the remaining portions would be shot in Europe—with another actress cast in her place.
Allegations of Threats and Intimidation
Arushi further alleged that when she confronted the producers about the betrayal, they resorted to threats. She claimed that they threatened to kill her and defame her and her family if she pursued legal action.
As the investigation unfolds, the case has drawn significant attention due to Arushi Nishank’s political connections and the involvement of Bollywood producers. The police have assured a thorough probe into the matter.
Sources By Agencies