Film Producer Vashu Bhagnani Hospitalised in London Amid Tax Raid Reports

Veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani has been hospitalised in London, the city where he resides, according to ANI on Tuesday. The agency said Bhagnani asked to be left alone when contacted, and no details about his condition have been released. The hospitalisation story follows reports that the Income Tax Department carried out searches at twelve locations linked to Bhagnani and his daughter‑in‑law, actress Rakul Preet Singh. TV9 said the raids targeted suspected fund irregularities, alleging money was being sent abroad under the pretext of film financing. Multiple tax teams examined documents, financial records and alleged overseas transactions, and also searched premises tied to Kumar Mangat’s Panorama Studios. Neither Bhagnani nor Rakul responded to Hindustan Times City’s queries. Bhagnani founded the production house Pooja Entertainment in 1995 and entered the industry with the Govinda‑starrer Coolie No 1. He later produced hits such as Hero No 1, Biwi No 1, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya and Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. In recent years the banner has struggled, with big‑budget releases Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Bell Bottom failing at the box office. His son Jackky Bhagnani, who debuted as an actor in 2009 and turned producer in 2016, married Rakul Preet Singh in 2024. In 2025 the studio faced employee complaints over unpaid dues after reports that Bhagnani sold office premises to raise cash.

Context

Tax raids on film financiers are not new in India; authorities often investigate alleged foreign routing of funds meant for movie production. Such probes can affect a studio’s cash flow and reputation, especially when the company is already facing financial strain.