Black money sting: Bollywood shocked, but on the defensive

New Delhi: Popular filmmakers Anubhav Sinha, Anees Bazmee and Vashu Bhagnani were caught on tape discussing the use of black money in the industry in a Cobrapost-IBN Network Expose. While most of the filmmakers denied their on camera claims, industry veterans expressed shock on seeing known filmmakers openly talking about ways to launder black money.

Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt said, "What I have heard from Vashu, it is shocking what we've seen. But the corporate structure has helped in evading black money."

Actor Kabir Bedi also expressed shock. "I am shocked by what I have seen, but I agree with Mukesh," he said.

Mukesh Bhatt and Kabir Bedi said they were shocked, but defended the industry saying there was a corporate structure now.

Filmmaker Anees Bazmee, writer Rajiv Kaul and Producer Sandeep Marwah, who were all featured in the sting, went on to give their take.

Anees Bazmee said there was no question of black money. He, however, said that he agreed to take money because he wanted to get rid of the undercover reporter.

Sandeep Marwah and Rajeev Kaul went on to say the same thing.

Small time actress Payal Rohtagi, too, denied asking for any black money after she was seen demanding Rs 25 lakh in cash and only Rs 5 lakh by cheque.

"Well, even if I take cash the whole paper work is done," she said.

While Bollywood defended itself, there were views from outside the industry which did highlight that black money is rampant in Bollywood.

Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani said, "Political money is an easier avenue for money laundering in our system."

Speculations of Black money being involved in the film production system have been under the scanner for years now, but the question is whether it really changes this dirty picture?

Also See

• Exposed: What black money buys in Bollywood

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