Chambal Ki Kassam

It isn't often that film folk are forthcoming about their monetary involvements. Yet, in a novel switch last fortnight, the usually reticent recluse, Raaj Kumar, whetted Bombay's gossipy appetite by not only declaring his signing-on amount for the movie Chambal Ki Kasam, but also by sueing his ex-producer, Murlidhar for balking at paying the full amount. A very sore Raaj accused Murlidhar of coughing up only Rs 2.5 lakh of the Rs 4.5 lakh agreed upon, and also claimed that the balance was not paid to him although the film had been released last August. But when a crime detection unit swooped down on Murlidhar and son, Kanhaiyalal, the producer hotly denied any irregularities in payment. His company, MPD Productions, had paid Raaj Kumar according to schedule, he insisted, adding caustically, "They are just trying to convert an ordinary civil case into a criminal one, but we will win in court." And to the victor will go the spoils, presumably. In this case, it shall be a substantial amount no doubt, with lakhs of rupees hanging in a precarious balance.