In a startling incident that has sent shockwaves through the Indian entertainment world, several beloved television celebrities, including Tejasswi Prakash and Ankita Lokhande, have fallen victim to a massive ₹1.5 crore fraud related to an energy drink advertisement. Reports indicate that the scheme involved deceitful promises of compensation from an advertising agency, leading many artists into a financial quagmire.
The Rise of the Scam
The alarming deception surfaced when Roshan Bhinder, a celebrity manager, filed a police complaint in Chembur against five individuals accused of cheating a group of 25 TV personalities. According to Bhinder, this disturbing incident began back in July 2024 when he was approached to organize an advertisement for an energy drink brand named Sky 63. The culprits lured the celebrities with enticing offers and presented false documentation, including a fake ₹10 lakh advance receipt.
A Gathering of Stars
As part of this fraudulent scheme, around 100 artists were invited to a lavish party in Dadar, where they were told that 25 of them would be selected for the advertisement. The total agreed payment to the artists was a staggering ₹1.32 crore. However, once they completed the advertisement shoot, the payments began to trickle down to nothing, with many celebrities receiving bounced cheques instead of the promised amounts.
Bounced Cheques and Broken Promises
The situation escalated further when the wrongdoers allegedly issued cheques totaling ₹1.32 crore, which all bounced. Not just the stars were affected, as Bhinder himself suffered losses amounting to ₹16.91 lakh due to the bouncing cheques. Additionally, Bhinder had to cover ₹35 lakh out of his own pocket to assist some of the artists, showcasing how deeply this scam cut into the lives of many involved.
The Investigation Begins
With a police report filed and investigations underway, authorities are keen to bring those responsible to justice. The Five accused individuals are being scrutinized for their roles in this scandal, and the police have promised a thorough investigation into the matter. This incident not only spotlighted the vulnerabilities in the celebrity endorsement system but also raised questions about how such a large-scale fraud could happen without prior detection.
Voices of Concern
This scam has left many affected celebrities feeling betrayed and vulnerable in a system they once trusted. Tejasswi Prakash, known for her roles in popular shows, is among those urging better screening processes for advertising deals. Social media is buzzing with reactions, as fans and followers express their shock over how their beloved stars have been misled. Tejasswi and her fellow stars have used platforms to emphasize the need for greater caution and transparency in such partnerships.
What’s Next for the Victims?
As the investigation continues, many celebrities are left wondering about the way forward. Financial losses, personal reputation, and trust have been damaged, not only for Prakash and Lokhande but for the entire industry. Support systems for the affected artists are crucial during this time, as they navigate the fallout from this unfortunate event. Roles that once brought them joy now come with the burden of financial uncertainty.
Conclusion
This scandal serves as a stark reminder for everyone in the entertainment industry, highlighting the need for vigilance against fraudulent schemes. As Tejasswi Prakash and other celebrities unite to demand justice, this incident may lead to stronger protection measures for artists in the future.
Hey there, I'm Subha Shree Panda, your astrologer and author exploring the cosmic wonders of astrology. Ever since I was young, I've been fascinated by the intricate dance of the stars and planets. This fascination sparked a journey into astrology, where I studied under inspiring mentors.
My approach combines ancient wisdom with contemporary insights to decipher how celestial energies influence our lives. I'm passionate about offering personalized horoscope readings that empower you to navigate life's twists with clarity and confidence, tailored to your unique zodiac sign.
