Satendra Soni, best known for playing Chotu in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, has alleged that he was denied payment and physically threatened by filmmaker Pushpendra Singh during a shoot in Madhya Pradesh. His emotional video appeal has gone viral, drawing attention to the plight of struggling actors in the industry.
Who is Satendra Soni?
Satendra Soni is a rising actor in Hindi cinema and television. He has appeared in films such as Doctor G, Bawaal, Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, and Hello Bachhon. His breakthrough came with Laapataa Ladies (2024), produced by Aamir Khan Productions, which was critically acclaimed and even selected as India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards. He is also set to appear in Mirzapur: The Movie, alongside Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu, Ali Fazal, and Jitendra Kumar.
Allegations Against Filmmaker Pushpendra Singh
In a tearful Instagram video, Satendra claimed he had shot for eight days for a film titled Ped Palki in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh. He said he was given a ₹50,000 signing amount with the promise of full payment after the shoot. However, when he asked for his dues, the director allegedly told him to leave the set and threatened him with violence.
Satendra further alleged that Pushpendra Singh and his wife Pragati Chauhan chased him in a car and assaulted him on the road. Another actor, Shridhar Dubey, who tried to intervene, was also beaten. In his video, Satendra broke down, saying: “I am crying because I have no money… please give me my money.”
Industry and Public Reaction
The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage among fans and industry observers. Many expressed concern over the vulnerability of character actors who often face delayed payments and exploitation. Satendra’s appeal highlighted the financial distress he is facing, including his father’s illness and his inability to pay personal expenses.
As of now, Pushpendra Singh has not publicly responded to the allegations. However, Satendra later confirmed in another video that he had safely returned to Mumbai with the help of Madhya Pradesh Police and fellow artistes.
Broader Context
Payment disputes and harassment are not uncommon in the entertainment industry. Satendra’s case underscores the need for stronger contractual safeguards and accountability mechanisms to protect actors, especially those working in smaller productions. His ordeal has reignited conversations about the precarious working conditions faced by many in the film industry.
