The upcoming web series ‘Showstopper’, featuring Zeenat Aman, Shweta Tiwari, and Digangana Suryavanshi, has been embroiled in controversy again. Initially, in January 2022, the show faced backlash due to a controversial statement by Shweta Tiwari at a press conference. Now, director-producer Manish Harishankar is facing accusations of non-payment from multiple cast and crew members.
Allegations of Non-Payment
According to sources, except for Zeenat Aman, other cast and crew members have not received full payment. A source revealed, “The actors and the support staff are yet to receive their payments. Only a percentage of their amount was paid by the producer. Besides the actors, many people from the crew have complained about this.”
The show has reportedly halted production, with the final episode yet to be filmed. The source added, “The show has now gone on halt mode, and the last episode hasn’t been shot yet, so we don’t know how post-production will happen. None of the investors have seen their money return as the show still has not been picked by any OTT platforms, and it is likely to get shelved.”
Stylist Krishan Parmar Speaks Out
Krishan Parmar, the official stylist for the show, confirmed that he has not received full payment. Parmar stated, “I was roped in for Digangana’s styling with a per day assured sum. My billable amount was ₹125K but only ₹25K was paid. Whenever I approach the line producer Narendra Jani for the payments, he tells me that they’ve pitched the series to platforms and once it’s sold, everyone’s payments would be cleared.”
Widespread Payment Issues
Parmar revealed that several crew members are experiencing the same issue but are hesitant to speak out due to fear of not receiving their payments. He added, “Even the art director and sound guys weren’t paid in advance, the shoot got delayed because of that. Manish is lying. I have sent the bills numerous times, I have given my account details but no response from him.”
Manish Harishankar, who is directing and producing the show under MH Films, defended himself by claiming that he has paid the lead actors in full. He stated, “For other supporting actors, we have to hold 10-15% of the total payment, which is given after dubbing etc. There is no issue as such. Whatever little payment is pending from our side, it’s because the post-production process is still on.”
Uncertainty on OTT Platforms
Harishankar acknowledged the delays but attributed them to the uncertainty surrounding the show’s acquisition by OTT platforms. He said, “From my budget, I have cleared 90% of the payments. No one has approached me for their payments to get cleared. This is my third film, aaj tak koi issue nahi hua hai. If anyone has any issues, please connect with me.”