A crew member of Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan's upcoming film, Pati Patni aur Woh 2 was allegedly assaulted in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj by some local residents, prompting police to register an FIR and arrest the main accused.
As per a report in PTI, the incident took place during the shooting of the film Pati Patni aur Woh 2 on Thornhill Road in Prayagraj on August 27, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Abhijeet Kumar said.
The production head of BR Chopra Films, Zoheb Solapurwala, was allegedly assaulted by some local residents. An FIR was lodged at the Civil Lines Police Station on August 28 after a complaint by BR Chopra Films' line producer Saurabh Tiwari, police said.
The main accused, identified as Meraj Ali, was arrested, police said.
After the incident, All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) questioned the state government for not providing adequate security to ensure a swift shoot. They said in a statement released on social media, “If the Uttar Pradesh Government cannot provide safety and security to those engaged in film production, then what is the purpose of promoting Noida Film City as a shooting hub? When the government fails to ensure protection, how can producers, Filmmakers, artists, and technicians risk their lives by shooting in Uttar Pradesh? This unfortunate incident took place in the presence of Bollywood superstars Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan, exposing the lack of proper security arrangements for film shootings in the state."
They added, “Such attacks are not only disgraceful but also raise serious concerns about the safety of the Indian film industry workforce. This incident directly questions the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh and plants fear in the hearts of filmmakers and artists who wish to shoot in the state. If such big Bollywood superstars are not safe on set, how can ordinary crew members and workers feel secure while shooting?”
Pati Patni Aur Woh 2 is a spiritual sequel to Kartik Aaryan, Bhumi Pednekar Ananya Panday’s 2019 romantic-comedy.