19 complaints against 'Doli Armaano Ki' makers for non-payment of dues

It’s been more than a few months since 'Doli Armaanon Ki' went off air, but sources tell us that the cast and crew of the show are still waiting for their dues to be cleared. The actors of the show have filed a complaint with CINTAA (Cine and TV Artistes’ Association), while the technicians have approached the FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) with their grievances.Sources say that the amount of unpaid dues is around `10crore. Now, the producers’ body is also involved in the issue and is acting as the mediator between various parties.
READ ALSO:
Mohit Malik to consult a psychiatrist
Nineteen complaints against the producer: CINTAA
Amit Behl, joint secretary, CINTAA, tells us, “There are close to 19 complaints against Pearl Grey, the producer of the show. The actors of the show, including Neha Marda, Vibhav Roy, Guddi Maruti, and the crew, have all filed complaints against the producer for non-payment of dues. We are trying to solve the issue and even the channel has been informed and they are trying to clear the dues. We have written to the IFTPC (Indian Film and TV Producers’ Council) and Pearl has also approached them saying that she will clear the dues in some time.”
Sources say that the cheques that were given to Vibhav have bounced. Manasi Salvi, who had stepped in as Neha’s replacement, says, “Our payments have been delayed, but we are standing by Pearl. I’m sure she will pay us.” Kunal Karan Kapoor, who entered the show after the leap, says, “The offices of the production house have been shut. The amount that is pending is also not small.” Neha, however, says that she had received her cheques around 18 days ago, while Vibhav refused to comment. We called up Pearl who rubbish the news about cheques bouncing and said, “When the show was about to shut down, people panicked and thought that they won’t get their dues, and so they went to CINTAA. We have given post-dated cheques. The cheques bouncing thing is not true.”
Sources close to Pearl told us that since the lease period for the office expired, the office of the production house was shut. “The producer will be clearing the dues, because she has two other shows that will soon be on air. She is working on co-producing her upcoming shows. Despite Doli... being a hit, Pearl has incurred huge losses on the show by working as a solo producer,” sources tell us.
The producer is having certain issues, we are trying to sort it out: IFTPC JD Majethia, co chairman, IFTPC, says, “When a member producer gets into trouble, they approach us. CINTAA has written to us, to which Pearl has responded, and we are solving the issue. The intent of the producer is positive. She has run into trouble on some fronts and only she can speak about the status. One has to be careful in hiring people in accounts, finance and production departments. We advise all producers and broadcasters to check the credentials of a person from his previous employer.”
90% of producers default on payments: FWICE Kamlesh Pandey, president of FWICE, says, “It’s become a habit for producers – once the show goes off air and they have received the full payment from the broadcaster, they don’t pay the workers and technicians. We have invited the producer and technicians for a dialogue. This kind of a default has been happening for a long time and more so in the case of new producers. Even if we manage to recover the money, it’s always a compromise because the full payment is never given. We also receive many complaints of cheques bouncing. The final tool we have is that if the producer, who has defaulted on payments, is starting a new show, we can call for the shoot to be stopped. Our members can withdraw from the show, and in those cases, the producer will have to pay. But even in that situation, they don’t pay the full dues. Only 10% of the producers pay on time and most of the producers are defaulters.”
READ ALSO:Lead actress Neha Marda injured on the sets of 'Doli Armaanon Ki' Mohit Malik punches Harsh Vashisht
Never miss your favourite movies on TV, check out the schedule here
WATCH: Mohit Malik's B'day celebration with 'reel' & 'real' wives