19 December,2012 08:42 AM IST | | Jigar Shah
Dhariwal, who in the past has produced films like Maa Tujhe Salaam and Nehlle Pe Dehlla, is currently producing Sunny Deol's next.
Vivek Sidhwani
Moolah matters
The court's decision is in regards to a case filed by Vivek Sidhwani, the proprietor of talent management company. Our source informs us that the case dates back to 2005 when Dhariwal had obtained a friendly loan of Rs 7 lakh from Sidhwani's sister. He issued a cheque to repay the loan but it bounced and as a result Sidhwani's sister lodged a criminal complaint. In May 2010 the parties decided to settle the matter out of court.
As Sidhwani's sister was travelling to the United States at that time, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was executed where it was decided that Dhariwal would make the payment in favour of her brother and constituent attorney, Vivek Sidhwani.
Dhariwal did pay an initial amount of Rs 1 lakh but after that kept dilly-dallying while citing financial constraints for his inability to make further payments. The producer finally issued a fresh cheque of Rs 6 lakh dated November 2, 2011 (see pic) in favour of Sidhwani. When that cheque too bounced, Sidhwani was left with no option but to initial legal proceedings against the producer.
Date drama
The source says, "Neither Dhariwal nor his lawyer have been attending the last few court dates. If he does not attend the next court date, there is a possibility of proclamation proceedings being initiated under which Dhariwal will be declared an absconder."
Sidhwani refuses to comment, as the matter is sub-judice. However, he says, "It is indeed surprising that while Dhariwal is producing such a big budget film, he still claims to be in financial difficulties." In his defence, Dhariwal counters, "I have already paid Rs 4 lakh to Sidhwani and I am trying to manage the rest of the money. I am currently in Rajasthan to arrange for funds."u00a0
