Satendra Soni files FIR against filmmaker couple, alleges assault, non-payment

Actor Satendra Soni has filed a Zero FIR against filmmakers Pushpendra Singh and his wife Pragati Chauhan, accusing them of assault, non-payment of dues, intimidation and wrongful confinement during the production of their film Paid Paalki. Soni alleges that the couple promised him a role in the film, failed to pay him the agreed remuneration, subjected him to harassment over his appearance and dwarfism, and caused mental, physical and financial distress.

The FIR was filed on Thursday, citing Sections 115(2), 127(3), 3(5), 351(2) and 352 of the Indian Penal Code. Soni, a struggling actor, met Singh around one-and-a-half years ago when the filmmaker offered him a role in Shubh Sandesh, which was later abandoned. In 2026, Singh contacted Soni, informing him that the project had been renamed Paid Paalki, and he was to be paid Rs 30,000 per day, totaling Rs 3 lakh.

Soni claims he was only paid Rs 50,000 as an advance and that the remaining amount was never paid. Allegations include shared, unsanitary accommodations, stale food, ridicule due to his appearance, and being left stranded on set. Soni claims the couple threatened him with physical violence and implied they would frame him in legal cases if he refused to complete the film.

Despite police involvement, Soni and the other actors were forced to leave the set without receiving their outstanding payments.