Akshay Kumar once took a firm stand against the unfair payment practices in Bollywood. The incident resurfaced amid Satendra Soni row.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleActor Satendra Soni, who is known for his breakthrough role as 'Chotu' in Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies, has recently shared his struggles in the industry. Satendra posted an emotional video alleging non-payment of dues, arbitrary removal from the project and death threats. His poignant words touched the public and celebrities alike, with many coming forward to speak on his behalf. The incident made fans revisit the time when Akshay Kumar fought against the unfair payment system in Bollywood.
In late June 2026, Satendra Soni shared a video on Instagram about an unprofessional and traumatic experience during a movie shoot. He recalled travelling to Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, to shoot for a film titled Ped Palki, directed by Pushpendra Singh. Satendra mentioned he received an initial signing amount of Rs. 50,000, with the remaining payment to be paid during the shoot. After completing eight days of a planned 10-day schedule, he and the other character actors requested payment of their outstanding dues.
Instead of paying Satendra and the other actors, the production team allegedly abruptly told them their work was over, and they had to clear out of the hotel within 10 minutes. Now comes the most bizarre part of the incident; Satendra Soni alleged the movie's team openly threatened to kill them if they remained at the hotel or continued demanding their wages. The actor sobbed while sharing the details in the video and seemed scared for his life. Satendra's shocking revelations have sparked a massive controversy, offering netizens a close look at the dark side of the Bollywood film industry.
Watch the video here.
Satendra Soni's payment-related struggle is a microcosm of Bollywood's broader problem of pending dues. Akshay Kumar, one of the biggest names and highest-paid actors of the Hindi film industry, once took a firm stand regarding the issue. In Bollywood, top stars are usually paid on time, while supporting characters and extras receive their due only after a prolonged period of waiting and ordeal. Akshay 'Khiladi' Kumar once hit back at the unfair practice by producers to put his own massive salary on hold until every single cast and crew member was fully compensated.
The incident occurred in July 2024, following the severe box office failure of Akshay's big-budget action movie, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The film's failure led to significant financial losses for the production house, Pooja Entertainment, owned by Vashu and Jackky Bhagnani. Upon learning about the situation, Akshay reportedly met with Jackky and suggested that he defer his payment until things improve financially for the team. He demanded that the funds be used to clear the full and final dues of the hardworking ground crew and staff first, and only then would he accept his payment.
Jackky Bhagnani publicly thanked Akshay Kumar for his kind gesture. He lauded Akshay, stating that he did not hesitate to stand in solidarity with the workers and make sure an ethical financial resolution was carried out. Akshay's big-hearted move helped the Bade Miyan Chote Miyan team navigate the difficult situation smoothly. Fans hope for a similar outcome in Satendra Soni's case. Notably, he and the rest of the stranded and terrified actors have reached Mumbai safely. They were accompanied by Shridhar Dubey and Pankaj Sharma and received assistance from the Maihar Police and veteran actor Ashutosh Rana.
What are your thoughts on Akshay Kumar taking a stand against the unfair payment practices in Bollywood? Let us know.
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