These days, Shilpa Shetty's husband, Raj Kundra is a mighty annoyed man. The owner of the India-based mixed martial arts tournament, Super Fight League, (in association with Manayaata Dutt, who represents her husband Sanjay Dutt), Kundra alleges that the sponsors of SFL 1,2 and 3, poultry product brand Venkys owe them Rs 7.5 crore that had been initially promised to them.
According to Kundra, the league approached S Balaji Rao (aka Bala), director of Venky's in January 2012 with a proposal to sponsor three the events, SFL 1,2 and 3. Balaji allegedly sent his company CEO Girija Mungali to meet both Dutt and Kundra at the former's residence.
The entrepreneur says that Dr Girija concluded the paperwork on behalf of both parties, confirming Venky's association with the league. Bala even attended the third round of SFL 3 in Delhi. Kundra alleges that while initially Bala had promised Rs 5 crore in cash and the rest paid in cheques, the director now apparently denies ever signing an official agreement to sponsor Kundra's event.
Says a source, `After regular reminders, Kundra had no option but to send a legal notice.` The copy of the notice rests with MiD DAY. In due course, Bala retaliated, shooting off a legal notice from his end to the owners of the fight league.
`The future of 250 fighters depends on the money which we get from our sponsors and I am extremely hurt by Bala's behaviour. He was a good friend but still cheated us and he owes us Rs 7.5 crore. Now by sending us a legal notice, he is trying for an easy exit.` Balaji Rao remained unavailable for comment.
