In order to “expose” black money transactions in the film industry, News18 India has done a sting operation on Pakistani artistes’ Fawad Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shafaqat Amanat Ali, Mawara Hocane and Imran Abbas.
The sting operation was reportedly conducted over a fortnight with managers of these artistes. In the report, it was revealed how the managers demanded black money for payments to be made towards the artistes.
Here’s a transcript of the conversation between the reporter and Fawad Khan’s manager:
While negotiating for Fawad’s appearance at a wedding party, the undercover reporter ensures Fawad’s manager is aware of two things: that “money is not a problem for the wedding party” and “it will be problematic to make a white transaction”.
According to the report, at the end of the conversation, Fawad’s manager tells him that 25% of the payment would have to be made in black and the rest in white.
Reporter: You must have heard about our company. It is into medical products. Mr Agrawal is the owner. It is his daughter's wedding; it is the first big function in the house. Money is not the problem. His daughter and son-in-law are very excited that some celebrity should participate in the function.
Fawad's Manager: So you want him basically for the sangeet.
Reporter: Actually there are five functions. Dates for four have been finalised which I have already told you. One is yet to be finalised. Will let you know. They want different celebrities for each occasion; at least for one, they want Fawad Khan. His daughter is a big fan of Fawad.
Fawad's Manager: Is it in Delhi?
Reporter: Yes!
Fawad's Manager: Little difficult.
Fawad's Manager: The issue is of him coming to Delhi. I do not think it is possible as of now.
Reporter: Why?
Fawad's Manager: You have not heard of India-Pakistan issue
Reporter: That is in Mumbai. There is no problem in Delhi.
Fawad's Manager: I do not think it will work out. But I will check.
Reporter: We have one function in Gurgaon also.
Fawad's Manager: That is Delhi only.
Reporter: Yes, it is Delhi only. But Gurgaon is very safe. Delhi is also safe. It will be a private function. There will be no big crowd.
Fawad's Manager: I will check once.
Reporter: Can you please tell me an estimate?
Fawad's Manager: I will tell you the estimate.
Reporter: Please tell me how we shall make payment. With all white money, it will be very problematic, assuming if it is Rs 60-70 lakh.
Fawad's Manager: It is for one person.
Reporter: If it is for one person, so, for a 70-plus group I assume it will be around Rs 70-80 lakh. Giving all in white will be a problem for me.
Fawad's Manager: The group will go in CR.
Reporter: Whatever it may be. Giving all in white will be a problem.
Fawad's Manager: We can decide on a percentage. What should I give you as of now? I will give you the original cost then we do not take anything in writing. You can tell about percentage on phone. You just need to tell percentage. I will calculate the amount.
Reporter: I feel if we do not talk these things on the phone it will be better.
Fawad's Manager: Ok, if you say 25 percent, I can take in which ways, advance or anything. I can calculate 25 percent out of total percentage and I know this much you want to go in black and rest in white. Then we can decide.
Similar demands of black money payments were uncovered for the other Pakistani artistes in this sting operation.
While black money transactions in Bollywood is the film industry’s worst kept secret, the focused attention on Pakistani artistes in this sting operation is unexplained.
While the report is being pegged on the government’s demonetisation drive, it is doubtful if the sting was conducted after the PM’s announcement since the operation took about a fortnight to complete. Also, it would be unlikely that the parties involved in the negotiation would not discuss the denomination of the notes which the black money would be a part of.
(Source: FirstPost)
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