Mallika Sherawat to return Rs 25 Lks to Studio 18

Based on a complaint lodged by Studio 18, Bollywood star Mallika Sherawat has been asked by the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) to pay back the signing amount of Rs 25 Lakhs to the producers of the film Masquerade.

Sajjad Chunawala, of Studio 18, stated that the actress signed the agreement to act in the lead role in the film Masquerade. She also accepted a signing amount of Rs 25 Lakhs.

Then she allegedly demanded the production house to replace the movie’s director, Kundan Shah. When Studio 18 refused to budge, she demanded the cinematographer be replaced with one of her choice, Madhu Ambat, who demanded Rs 40 lakhs for the assignment.

The production house turned down her demand, saying the choice of the cinematographer was always the director’s prerogative. Mallika Sherawat then walked out of the movie, throwing the project into disarray.

IMPPA has now ordered her to return the signing amount of Rs 25 lakhs within one month or face the consequences of being banned from Bollywood.