Actor-producer Upasana Singh sues Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu for the breach of contract. She has not honoured her commitments towards Singh’s first film production ‘Bai Ji Kuttange’. As per the agreement Harnaaz was to give 25 days for the film’s promotions as a lead but she has completely detached herself from the film,claims Upasana Singh. A summon has been sent to her by Upasana.
In a conversation with Seema Dhawan, she tells about the whole situation.
Photography-Shazid Chauhan
The release date of the film was 27 May 2022 but Upasana had to postpone it to August 19 because Harnaaz did not appear for the promotions as per agreement. “Maybe she has some commitments, so I changed the film’s release date to August 19. Then I started contacting her but I didn’t get any response. According to the contract she is supposed to give me 25 days.” Upasana reveals.
“Chalo 25 din na de , ab voh Miss Universe ban gayi hai,uske paas time nahi hai,chalo 5 din de de, mujhe uski zaroorat hai hamare pas contract hai.Uski vajah se film ki date change ho gayi.Mujhe bahut financial loss hua.” ( “But then I thought that as she has recently won the pageant, 25 days might be difficult because of her other commitments but at least she should give 5 days for the promotions of the film. I incurred heavy financial losses”.) She adds.
“It’s been five months since I am literally requesting her but she doesn’t take my calls nor responds to my mails and whatsapp messages.Even my Director and actors tried approaching and convincing her but she doesn’t talk about this and disconnects their phone the moment they talk about me.”
Singh tells us.Upasana could never imagine that Harnaaz would do this to her. “We were really very close and shared a beautiful bond.I always treated her like my own daughter, she used to stay with me in my house Mumbai. She was a struggling newcomer when I gave her chance in Bai Ji Kuttange and that too opposite my son NanakSingh who is going to make a debut in the industry Certainly for my son’s debut I would never compromise on the quality.The star cast includes Dev Kharoud and Gurpreet Ghuggi who are very renowned and talented actors of the Punjabi film industry.This is a family film and there is not a single cut by the Censor Board.The film is directed by a very talented Punjabi Director Samip Kang who has several hits to his credit.” Upasana gets emotional. She seemed very hurt. “I gave her a chance in two films.The other one is Yara Diyan Pu Baran which we will release after this. ” adds the actor, who has been working in the industry for the past over 30 years.
Her contract with Harnaaz is before she became Miss Universe. But she broke her ties with Upasana after getting international recognition. “Her mother had approached me and I helped her at the time when she was not Miss Universe and now she does not even speak to me. I sent legal notice to her five months ago and I actually never wanted the public and media to know that there is something wrong between us..I thought she would respond but Action speaks louder than words. I thought she would come but no..Now I’m at the edge. This is my first film as a female producer…my child’s debut film and this is not a small film. The trailer of the film is liked by everyone.” Upasana is touched by the tremendous love and support she is getting from the masses.
Harnaaz Sandhu won the Miss Universe crown on December 13, 2021. She was very nice to her till then but the achievement has changed Harnaaz ,Upasana feels. “Miss Universe banne par aap bahut bolte ho..main Punjabi hoon..Sardarni hoon par jab punjabi filmo ki ya Punjabi logon promote karne ki baat aati hai to aap use promote nahi karte.”. (You say,’I am a Punjabi, I am Sardarni and I feel very proud’ but then you avoid promoting Punjabi people and Punjabi Cinema. This means you are double faced. You consider Punjabi language and Punjabi people small.” “Yeh woh Harnaaz Sandhu hai…jo barhi barhi baatein karti hai,aurat ke hak ke bare main- par ab jab ek aurat ki feelings ki baat aati hai to aap uske sath kharhe nahi hai “( “She is the same Harnaaz Sandhu who makes big talks and emphasizes upon the women’s rights but now what? Why being a woman she is hurting another woman’s feelings)”
“This has never ever happened earlier. So many big actors have worked in Punjabi Cinema,they have not left their mother tongue but she considers us so small that she didn’t share even one poster. How much time does it take?She calls herself India’s pride but does it look dignified and decent for someone like her at such an exalted position to do such an act and behaviour.”
Upasana has full faith in the Indian judiciary and is quite hopeful of getting justice.
We wish her all the Best.
