Aayush Shah Files Criminal Cases Against Planet Marathi Founder Over ₹87 Lakh Bounced Cheques

• Planet Marathi Founder Akshay Bardapurkar Faces Criminal Cases

• Nine Dishonoured Cheques: Tracing the Financial Dispute

• Mounting Debts: Principal Amount and Accruing Interest
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Actor and entrepreneur Aayush Shah has filed criminal cases under Section 138 of the NI Act against Planet Marathi founder Akshay Bardapurkar. The dispute involves nine dishonoured cheques worth ₹87 lakh, part of a larger ₹1.14 crore claim. This Sprouts SIT investigation highlights mounting financial accountability challenges in the regional entertainment industry.

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Legal Storm Hits Marathi Entertainment Industry

In a significant development rocking the Marathi entertainment industry, actor and entrepreneur Aayush Shah has filed multiple criminal cases against Akshay Bardapurkar, founder of the prominent OTT platform Planet Marathi. The legal actions, filed under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, pertain to a series of dishonoured cheques totaling over ₹1.14 crore, with ₹87 lakh specifically owed to Shah.

This exclusive report by the Sprouts News Investigation Team reveals how financial disputes between prominent industry figures are escalating into serious legal battles that could set important precedents for business accountability in the entertainment sector.

The Financial Dispute: Nine Dishonoured Cheques and mounting Interest

According to legal documents reviewed by the Sprouts News Investigation Team, Bardapurkar issued nine signed cheques to Aayush Shah and his business partner Mausam Shah, co-founders of the reputable PR agency Maars Communicates. The cheques, totaling ₹1,14,30,400, were dishonoured upon presentation between April and May 2024.

Specifically, ₹87,00,000 was owed to Aayush Shah while ₹20,00,000 was owed to Mausam Shah, with monthly interest of ₹3,61,500 accruing since May 2024. This financial dispute has now evolved into four separate criminal cases, with three filed by Aayush Shah and one by Mausam Shah against Bardapurkar and his company Planet Marathi Seller Services.

Legal Proceedings: Criminal Cases and Planned Civil Suit

The legal battle is being vigorously pursued in the High Court under the guidance of advocate Krishnagopal S. Tripathi. Aayush Shah has initiated three criminal cases specifically for the ₹87,00,000 owed to him, while Mausam Shah has filed one criminal case for her ₹20,00,000 share.

Beyond the current criminal proceedings under the Negotiable Instruments Act, the Shahs have announced their intention to file a comprehensive civil case against Bardapurkar to seek additional damages and further accountability. This legal strategy indicates a determined pursuit of justice through multiple judicial avenues to address what the plaintiffs describe as a serious breach of business ethics and financial trust.

Broader Implications: Entertainment Industry Ethics Under Scrutiny

This high-profile case has sparked serious conversations about ethical standards and financial transparency within the competitive entertainment and media industry. The involvement of prominent figures like Aayush Shah, known for his acting career and entrepreneurial ventures, and Akshay Bardapurkar, celebrated for building the influential Planet Marathi platform, highlights how financial disputes can damage professional relationships and industry reputation.

As the Sprouts News Investigation Team has learned, this case may influence how business contracts and financial agreements are structured within the Indian entertainment sector, particularly between creative professionals and platform providers.

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Related Article: Mahabharat Actor Aayush Shah Accuses Singer Bishwajit Ghosh of ₹4.4 Cr Fraud.

The Human Element: Personal Disappointment and Professional Resolve

Expressing his profound disappointment, Aayush Shah stated, “This issue goes beyond finances—it’s a breach of trust. Professional relationships rely on transparency and respect, and when those are compromised, it impacts both business and personal bonds.” Mausam Shah echoed these sentiments, adding, “This situation is deeply disheartening, especially given the strong personal and professional relationship we shared.

Integrity and mutual respect should be the foundation of any partnership.” Their statements reveal the personal dimension of this financial dispute, highlighting how business conflicts can strain long-standing professional relationships built over years of collaboration.

Industry Impact: Precedent-Setting Legal Action in Entertainment Finance

The Shahs emphasized the broader significance of their legal actions in a joint statement: “This step is necessary not only to address our grievances but also to uphold the values of transparency, trust, and accountability that are essential in business dealings. We hope to set a strong precedent for the industry through this legal pursuit.” This case emerges at a time when the Indian entertainment industry is grappling with questions of financial transparency and contractual integrity, particularly as digital platforms expand and financial transactions grow in complexity and scale.

A Landmark Case for Business Accountability

The ongoing legal battle between Aayush Shah and Akshay Bardapurkar represents more than just a financial dispute—it symbolizes growing demands for accountability and transparency in India’s entertainment industry. As the cases proceed through the judicial system, they are likely to establish important precedents for how financial disputes between creative professionals and platform owners are resolved. The Sprouts News Investigation Team will continue to monitor these developments closely, recognizing their potential to reshape business practices and financial accountability standards across the Indian media and entertainment landscape.