Laapataa Ladies actor Satendra Soni files FIR over non-payment issue; AICWA extends support
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Laapataa Ladies actor Satendra Soni Photograph: (X)
After months of making allegations of harassment and unpaid dues, Satendra Soni has now filed a zero FIR against filmmaker Pushpendra Singh and actor Pragati Chauhan. AICWA also stepped forward to back the actor in a difficult situation.
Months after posting a distressing video alleging harassment and non-payment during the shoot of Ped Paalki, Laapataa Ladies actor Satendra Soni’s case has now taken a turn after he filed a zero FIR against filmmaker Pushpendra Singh and his wife, Pragati Chauhan. Citing unpaid dues, assault, and wrongful confinement, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) extended its support to the actor in an official statement on its social media account.
AICWA extends support to Laapataa Ladies actor Satendra Soni
On June 27, Satendra Soni shared an emotional video on his Instagram account explaining what happened to him on the set of Ped Paalki. In the viral video, Soni broke down as he talked about how the filmmaker allegedly refused to pay his fee and even threatened him. Months after making the allegations, the actor filed a zero FIR against those responsible.
Also Read: Laapataa Ladies actor Satendra Soni breaks down, alleges filmmaker threatened him over pending dues
On August 21, the All Indian Cine Workers Association extended its support to the actor in the case and posted an official statement on its X account. It read, “The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has extended full support, assistance and guidance to actor Satendra Soni, known for Laapataa Ladies and several other films and associated with the upcoming Mirzapur, and actor Shreedhar Dubey, known for Oh My Dog and several other films, in connection with the serious incident involving brutal assault, forced confinement, death threats, intimidation and non-payment of dues during the shooting of the film Ped Paalki in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh.”
The post further highlighted the handler in Soni’s case. It read, "AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta took up the matter from the very beginning, remained in continuous contact with both actors, approached the concerned authorities and personally supported them throughout the process, leading to the registration of an FIR at Oshiwara Police Station, Mumbai, on 20 August 2026, against director-producer Pushpendra Singh and Pragati Chauhan."
More details about Satendra Soni's case
The post further added that the case was taken up from the day the Laapataa Ladies actor posted a video on Instagram explaining his side of the story. The AICWA post continued, "On 27 June 2026, immediately after the alleged incident involving the brutal assault of actor Satendra Soni and actor Shreedhar Dubey in Madhya Pradesh, AICWA President Suresh Shyamlal Gupta spoke to both actors and assured them of AICWA’s complete support."
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At a press conference on August 21 at the AICWA head office in Mumbai, the actor described the case in detail to IANS. He said, "There was a director-producer named Pushpendra Singh who had approached us for a film called 'Paid Palki.' When we went there, he initially paid me ₹50,000. We had agreed on a payment of ₹3 lakh for 10 days. He had told me that the remaining amount would be paid to me during the shoot. So, we went there, but once we arrived, we faced several issues with the arrangements. There was no vanity van, no proper washroom facilities, no proper food or drinking water arrangements, and not even adequate arrangements for sitting or resting. We observed all this for a day or two. Then, on the third day, the spot boys and lightmen started arguing among themselves over their payments."
According to reports, the FIR filed by the actor following the alleged assault has been registered under sections 115(2), 127(3), 351(2), 352 and 3(5) of the BNS.
Satendra Soni, 27-year-old, is from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and gained nationwide recognition through Aamir Khan's film Laapataa Ladies as Chotu alongside Nitanshi Goel. The story is set in rural India in 2001 and follows two newlywed brides who are accidentally switched on a crowded train. The mix-up creates chaos in Deepu's life, and he goes to extreme lengths to find his wife, Phool Kumari.
The film was also selected as India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.
