Zinia Sen & Ruman Ganguly (BOMBAY TIMES; April 19, 2014)

Jaatishwar, a film on rebirth, which had a golden run at the 61st National Film Awards, is in the eye of a storm. The producers of the movie that went on to win four National awards in the categories of Best Music Direction, Best Make-up Artist, Best Costume Design and Best Male Playback Singer, are yet to clear the dues of four of its key cast and crew members.

 Among them is the Best Music Direction awardee Kabir Suman. The Bengali composer who was signed on for 5 lakh, is yet to get his dues worth 1.5 lakh. In fact, Suman had last spoken to co-producer Rana Sarkar from DAG Creative Media on Wednesday, when the National Awards were announced. “After he broke the news to me, I asked him to clear my dues. He didn’t give me a clear answer and hung up soon after. At this age, why should I go around asking people for money? When I was given an advance of 50,000 and asked to start work on the project, I didn’t dither. If there’s a deadline for work, there should be one for remuneration too,” says a miffed Suman.

 The singer-songwriter has also spoken to the film’s director, Srijit Mukherji. “After the advance payment, I was only given money in small amounts. I spoke to Srijit before he left for the US. He was extremely apologetic and wanted to pay from his own pocket. But that was not fine with me. I said, ‘Why should you give me money?’ Even after scripting a success story, the producers are yet to pay up. But when they bring out the film’s DVD, I’m sure they will have ‘Four National awards’ printed on it. This isn’t professional behaviour,” he says.

 Jaatishwar’s leading lady, Swastika Mukherjee, who is yet to receive near about 2 lakh for the movie, says, “I was promised the rest of my remuneration on the day of the dubbing, but I still haven’t received it.” Rahul, another actor in the film, says, “I’m yet to be paid 1 lakh.”

 J K Ray from Reliance Entertainment, which has produced the film, clarifies, “From my side, I have cleared all the dues. My only contract was with Srijit and I have followed it to the letter. The only artistes left to be paid are Swastika Mukherjee, Jisshu Sengupta and Rahul. Their contracts were with Rana Sarkar. As far as Kabir Suman is concerned, I’m aware that he is yet to get his full payment. That part is being handled completely by Srijit. Once he returns, Suman’s dues will be cleared. I think Rana is cash-strapped at the moment and the delays are because of that. I think all payments will be made in May.” Rana Sarkar, who’s the focus of all attention, was not available for comment.