Actor Rakul Preet Singh has come forward to set the record straight on the buzz surrounding her husband, producer Jackky Bhagnani’s financial struggles after the failure of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024). She clarified that the production banner, Pooja Entertainment aka Puja Films, is not shutting down, adding that the situation had been blown out of proportion. During her appearance on the Humans of Bombay podcast, the actor also noted that financial fluctuations are part of the film business, citing example of actor Amitabh Bachchan’s journey as a producer.

Speaking about supporting Jackky through the crisis, Rakul said, “It was a very challenging time for the family and for him. But a lot of things said in the news weren’t correct. No company is shut. Yes, it’s a fact that two to three films didn’t work, and it was a huge blow that brought a lot of financial loss — but that happens with every producer. It even happened to Amitabh Bachchan at one point. This is all a phase.”

Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (2024) flopped at the box office. In the aftermath, social media was flooded with reports claiming that the production banner was facing a financial crunch.

Also, several crew members accused the studio of not clearing their dues on time. A report by Bollywood Hungama claimed that the seven-floor office of the banner in Mumbai has been sold off to clear their Rs. 250 crore debt, which they denied eventually.

Last year, producers Vashu Bhagnani and Jackky also filed a complaint against director Ali Abbas Zafar for siphoning the subsidy funds he took from Abu Dhabi authorities during the shoot of the film.

What is common between Farhan Akhtar, Priyanka Chopra and Jackky Bhagnani? Great physiques - yes. A Bollywood history - of course. But these stars have gone a step further. Taking a cue from record books, they have brought these real life heroes onto celluloid. If Farhan Akhtar showcased the legend of the flying Sikh Milkha Singh, it was Priyanka Chopra who brought Olympian Mary Kom into our homes. And now it seems young actor Jackky Bhagnani is getting ready to portray a celebrated sports person on 70 mm. For the Bhagnanis, however, mum is the word. Ask the man in question Jackky and he tries to divert the topic to his upcoming release, Welcome To Karachi. “I have no mind space for any new projects as of now. I am using all my energies to promote Welcome To Karachi.“ While Jackky might deny the reports, industry insiders say that the actor has been spending a lot of time in his home gym bulking up. What gives credence to the rumors is Jackky's own admission in a recent interview where he hinted at moving beyond his father Vashu Bhagnani's Puja Films fold. Every time sports stars have been portrayed in movies, it has not just had the box office cash registers ringing, but even won awards and accolades for the actors and filmmakers.

It would be interesting to see who Jackky would end up emulating on the big screen.