The highly awaited OTT series “Show Stopper,” featuring Zeenat Aman’s comeback, is entangled in controversy. Actress Digangana Suryavanshi faces a police case filed by director-producer Manish Harishankar, accusing her of criminal breach of trust and fraud under IPC Sections 420 and 406. Harishankar alleges that Suryavanshi demanded around six crores from the production house, falsely claiming she could involve Akshay Kumar and his company in the project.
However, someone close to the situation dismisses Harishankar’s accusations as “absolutely baseless,” suggesting he is trying to distract from the series’ financial woes, which have stalled production for two years. According to this source, Harishankar is making up allegations against cast members, including Digangana Suryavanshi, Rakesh Bedi, and Ashmit Joshi, to avoid repaying funders. They claim, “He hasn’t paid Digangana a single penny.”
Additionally, MH Films has issued defamation notices to Krishan Parmar, Digangana’s dress designer, and Rakesh Bedi, accusing them of making negative public comments about the film. Harishankar’s lawyer, Falguni Brahmbhatt, confirmed these incidents, stating that Digangana attempted to extort a large sum from the production house by threatening severe consequences if her demands weren’t met.
The controversy around “Show Stopper” isn’t new. Previous reports highlighted severe financial mismanagement and budget overruns, with many daily wage workers, including hair and makeup artists, unpaid for over a year. Insiders revealed that only a fraction of promised payments to actors and crew have been made, and investors haven’t seen any returns.
Despite this, Harishankar denies any issues with payments, claiming that the main actors’ fees have been fully paid and that 90-95% of production payments have been completed. He stated, “We have just finished dubbing with all the actors, and post-production is ongoing. We’ll announce the release date soon.”
The show, which began in January 2022, has faced multiple challenges, including financial problems and production delays. Filmed in Bhopal, Indore, and Mumbai, it explores how incorrect bra fittings can negatively affect women’s health. The series also stars Zarina Wahab, Shweta Tiwari, and Sourabh Raaj Jain, alongside Zeenat Aman.
As the legal and financial drama unfolds, the cast and crew of “Show Stopper” are caught in the middle of accusations and unfulfilled promises, leaving the show’s future uncertain.
