Bollywood trade union rallies behind Satendra Soni, seeks probe into Ped Palki row
Bollywood trade union AICWA has backed actor Satendra Soni and sought an FIR against the makers of Ped Palki after his allegations of unpaid dues and intimidation. Here's what the actor claimed and why the industry body has stepped in.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has come out in support of actor Satendra Soni and urged the Madhya Pradesh government to register an FIR against the makers of Ped Palki after he levelled serious allegations of non-payment and intimidation during the film's shoot. The industry body has called for an immediate and impartial investigation, saying the matter raises wider concerns about the treatment of artists and workers in the Indian film industry.
AICWA's demand follows an emotional video shared by Soni, in which the actor alleged that he and several other artists were denied their agreed remuneration despite working on the project. He also claimed they were threatened when they asked for their pending dues. The association described the allegations as grave and said every artist and worker deserves dignity, timely payment and protection from intimidation.
Why has AICWA demanded an FIR against the makers of Ped Palki?
In a statement shared on X, AICWA said Soni's video reflected the distress he allegedly endured during the shoot. The association said such complaints deserve serious attention and urged the state government to take immediate cognisance of the allegations.
"The emotional video shared by Satendra Soni reflects the pain and distress he says he has endured. His allegations raise serious concerns about the treatment of artists and workers in the Indian film industry. No artist or worker should have to endure such treatment," the association said.
Take a look at their X post:
It further alleged that many artists and workers across the industry are promised payment before being called for shoots, only to face delays or denial of remuneration and alleged intimidation when demanding their rightful dues.
What allegations has Satendra Soni made against the film's team?
According to AICWA, Soni alleged that he travelled to Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, to shoot for director Pushpendra Singh's Ped Palki. While he was reportedly paid a signing amount of Rs 50,000, he claimed the remaining payment was never made despite working for eight days.
In his video, Soni alleged that when he and others asked for their dues, they were asked to leave the hotel and threatened. "I came to Maihar to work on a film directed by Pushpendra Singh called Ped Palki. He gave us Rs 50,000 as a signing amount and told us the remaining payment would be made during the shoot. It's been eight days since filming began, and when we asked him for the money, he told us to pack our bags and leave the hotel. He even threatened to kill us," the actor claimed.
Watch the video here:
What happened after the actor shared his emotional video?
Soni later shared another video confirming that he and the others had safely returned to Mumbai. He thanked the Maihar Police, actor Ashutosh Rana and everyone who extended support during the ordeal.
Known for his work in Laapataa Ladies, Mirzapur, Doctor G, Bawaal, Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders and Hello Bachhon, Soni has now found himself at the centre of a controversy that has sparked fresh debate over artists' rights and workplace conditions in the film industry. The makers of Ped Palki have not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has come out in support of actor Satendra Soni and urged the Madhya Pradesh government to register an FIR against the makers of Ped Palki after he levelled serious allegations of non-payment and intimidation during the film's shoot. The industry body has called for an immediate and impartial investigation, saying the matter raises wider concerns about the treatment of artists and workers in the Indian film industry.
AICWA's demand follows an emotional video shared by Soni, in which the actor alleged that he and several other artists were denied their agreed remuneration despite working on the project. He also claimed they were threatened when they asked for their pending dues. The association described the allegations as grave and said every artist and worker deserves dignity, timely payment and protection from intimidation.
Why has AICWA demanded an FIR against the makers of Ped Palki?
In a statement shared on X, AICWA said Soni's video reflected the distress he allegedly endured during the shoot. The association said such complaints deserve serious attention and urged the state government to take immediate cognisance of the allegations.
"The emotional video shared by Satendra Soni reflects the pain and distress he says he has endured. His allegations raise serious concerns about the treatment of artists and workers in the Indian film industry. No artist or worker should have to endure such treatment," the association said.
Take a look at their X post:
It further alleged that many artists and workers across the industry are promised payment before being called for shoots, only to face delays or denial of remuneration and alleged intimidation when demanding their rightful dues.
What allegations has Satendra Soni made against the film's team?
According to AICWA, Soni alleged that he travelled to Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, to shoot for director Pushpendra Singh's Ped Palki. While he was reportedly paid a signing amount of Rs 50,000, he claimed the remaining payment was never made despite working for eight days.
In his video, Soni alleged that when he and others asked for their dues, they were asked to leave the hotel and threatened. "I came to Maihar to work on a film directed by Pushpendra Singh called Ped Palki. He gave us Rs 50,000 as a signing amount and told us the remaining payment would be made during the shoot. It's been eight days since filming began, and when we asked him for the money, he told us to pack our bags and leave the hotel. He even threatened to kill us," the actor claimed.
Watch the video here:
What happened after the actor shared his emotional video?
Soni later shared another video confirming that he and the others had safely returned to Mumbai. He thanked the Maihar Police, actor Ashutosh Rana and everyone who extended support during the ordeal.
Known for his work in Laapataa Ladies, Mirzapur, Doctor G, Bawaal, Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders and Hello Bachhon, Soni has now found himself at the centre of a controversy that has sparked fresh debate over artists' rights and workplace conditions in the film industry. The makers of Ped Palki have not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of writing.
