Priyanka Chopra's production company seems to have landed in a spot of bother with members of the Film Studios Setting and Allied Mazdoor Union alleging non-payment of dues for services rendered during an ad shoot.
In two reminders sent to Purple Pebble Pictures last month, general secretary of the Union, Gangeshwar Shriwastav, has pointed out that the members had worked for Priyanka's banner from April-end to the first week of May.
A worker on the condition of anonymity says, "The outstanding payment is a little over Rs 16 lakh. We sent them the bill twice - on December 3 and December 30, but have not heard from them yet. Since we are daily wage earners, we are anxiously awaiting our payment to be cleared."
Priyanka remained unavailable for comment, but a source close to the production house says, "We had an all-inclusive contract with the art director/set designer, which is also mentioned in their invoice, and we were never liable to make payment to the workers. The money was directly paid to the art director. It seems he hasn't disbursed it to them, which is leading to all the confusion."
Shriwastav, however, claims only a part of the dues has been cleared so far. "We sent a few letters to them, but they have not got back to us yet. The total dues for the shoot was close to Rs 36 lakh, of which only Rs 20 lakh has been cleared. Payment of the remaining amount is being delayed," he adds.
Documents of both parties are in mid-day's possession.
