Ram Gopal Varma Reveals Underworld Links in Salman Khan's Chori Chori Chupke Chupke
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has disclosed details regarding the Mumbai underworld connections surrounding the 2001 Bollywood film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. Although chief financier Bharat Shah was initially unaware, producer Nazim Rizvi had ties to gangster Chhota Shakeel. Varma explained that Shah proceeded with funding after Salman Khan confirmed his involvement, despite Rizvi's suspicious background. The situation escalated when Shah assisted other industry figures in resolving extortion demands through Shakeel, leading police to suspect Shah’s complicity. Consequently, both Shah and Rizvi were arrested in 2001. Shah was convicted for failing to disclose the underworld connection and sentenced to one year, which he had already served during the trial. Rizvi and his partner received six-year sentences and fines for forging links with the underworld and extorting film personalities. This revelation highlights the significant influence of organized crime on the Indian film industry during that period, affecting major production houses and prominent stars like Salman Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji.
Wire timeline
Ram Gopal Varma Reveals Underworld Links in Salman Khan's Chori Chori Chupke Chupke
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has disclosed details regarding the Mumbai underworld connections surrounding the 2001 Bollywood film Chori Chori Chupke Chupke. Although chief financier Bharat Shah was initially unaware, producer Nazim Rizvi had ties to gangster Chhota Shakeel. Varma explained that Shah proceeded with funding after Salman Khan confirmed his involvement, despite Rizvi's suspicious background. The situation escalated when Shah assisted other industry figures in resolving extortion demands through Shakeel, leading police to suspect Shah’s complicity. Consequently, both Shah and Rizvi were arrested in 2001. Shah was convicted for failing to disclose the underworld connection and sentenced to one year, which he had already served during the trial. Rizvi and his partner received six-year sentences and fines for forging links with the underworld and extorting film personalities. This revelation highlights the significant influence of organized crime on the Indian film industry during that period, affecting major production houses and prominent stars like Salman Khan, Preity Zinta, and Rani Mukerji.
The Indian Express