Satendra Soni files FIR over assault by filmmaker; AICWA backs him

Actor Satendra Soni, best known for his role in the Oscar‑eligible film Laapataa Ladies, has lodged a formal complaint with the police after an alleged assault and a series of other grievances during the production of the film Paid Paalki. The incident, which took place in June, involved filmmaker Pushpendra Singh and his wife, actress Pragati Chauhan, who Soni claims refused to pay him for his work, threatened him when he demanded payment, and subsequently forced him into confinement.

On 20 August 2026, the Oshiwara Police Station in Mumbai registered an FIR against Singh and Chauhan, following the intervention of the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA). The association’s president, Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, has been in continuous contact with Soni and fellow actor Shreedhar Dubey, who also appeared in the film, and has urged authorities to investigate the allegations of brutal assault, death threats, intimidation and non‑payment of dues.

In a statement posted on its X account, AICWA expressed full support for the actors. It highlighted that Soni, who has worked on the Oscar‑submitted Laapataa Ladies and is set to appear in the upcoming series Mirzapur, had been subjected to “brutal assault, forced confinement, death threats, intimidation and non‑payment of dues” during the shoot in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh. The statement also warned that such treatment of a well‑known actor could embolden similar abuses against lesser‑known artists and crew who might fear retaliation.

Gupta met with Soni, Dubey and Maharashtra Home Minister Yogesh Ramdas Kadam on 3 July 2026 to discuss the case. The actors recounted being assaulted on the road, forcibly taken to a hotel, attacked inside a closed room, having their clothes torn and receiving death threats. The meeting was intended to pressure authorities into taking immediate and strict action against those responsible.

AICWA has called for a comprehensive investigation and stringent legal measures to prevent further intimidation and exploitation of film workers. The association’s involvement underscores the growing concern over safety and fair treatment on Indian film sets.