Palash Muchhal Initiates ₹10 Crore Defamation Lawsuit Against Vidnyan Mane
Music composer and singer Palash Muchhal has taken legal action against Sangli-based actor and producer Vidnyan Mane by filing a ₹10 crore defamation case. This development comes after Mane publicly accused Muchhal of cheating him out of ₹40 lakh and making allegations about his personal life involving Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana.
Background of the Controversial Allegations
The controversy began when Vidnyan Mane approached the police in Maharashtra's Sangli district earlier this week, claiming that Palash Muchhal had duped him of ₹40 lakh. According to news agency PTI reports, the 34-year-old Mane alleged that he had invested this substantial amount in Muchhal's upcoming film project titled 'Nazaria', which was never completed.
Mane detailed in his complaint that he first met Muchhal in Sangli on December 5, 2023. During their initial interaction, Mane expressed interest in film production investments, following which Muchhal reportedly suggested he become a producer for 'Nazaria'. The music composer allegedly promised that an investment of ₹25 lakh could yield a profit of ₹12 lakh after the film's release on OTT platforms, and also offered Mane a role in the project.
Financial Dispute and Failed Film Project
The two individuals met on two additional occasions, after which Mane claims he transferred a total of ₹40 lakh to Muchhal by March 2025. However, the film project never materialized despite the substantial investment. When Mane allegedly requested his money back, he received no response from Muchhal, prompting him to approach the Sangli police authorities.
It is important to note that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in this matter so far, despite Mane's formal complaint to the police. The lack of official police action has added another layer of complexity to this already contentious situation.
Personal Allegations Involving Smriti Mandhana
In a surprising twist to the financial allegations, Vidnyan Mane also accused Palash Muchhal of cheating on Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana prior to their planned wedding. This personal allegation has added significant media attention to what began as a financial dispute.
Mane elaborated on these personal accusations in an interview with Hindustan Times, stating: "I was at the wedding celebrations (November 23, 2025) when he was caught red-handed with another woman in bed. Bhayanak scene tha, he was beaten up by the Indian female cricketers. The entire family is chindi chor. I thought he'd get married and settle in Sangli, but it has completely backfired on me."
Palash Muchhal's Legal Response
In response to these multiple allegations, Palash Muchhal has taken to his Instagram stories to announce his legal counter-action. He wrote: "A legal notice of defamation of ₹10 crore has been sent by my lawyer Shreyansh Mithare to Sangli based Vidnyan Mane for his false, outrageous and highly defamatory accusations made with the deliberate intent to malign my reputation and character."
This legal notice represents a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the two individuals. Muchhal's decision to pursue a defamation case suggests he intends to challenge the veracity of Mane's claims through formal legal channels rather than through public statements alone.
Context of Previous Personal Life Developments
This controversy emerges against the backdrop of Palash Muchhal's personal life developments, particularly his called-off wedding with Smriti Mandhana. The Indian cricketer and the music composer had been engaged and were planning to marry before their relationship ended, though neither party has publicly detailed the reasons for their separation.
The inclusion of Mandhana's name in Vidnyan Mane's allegations has brought additional public scrutiny to what might otherwise have remained a private financial dispute between two individuals in the entertainment industry.
Current Status and Potential Implications
As the situation currently stands:
- Vidnyan Mane has filed a police complaint alleging financial cheating by Palash Muchhal
- No FIR has been registered by Sangli police regarding the ₹40 lakh cheating allegations
- Palash Muchhal has sent a ₹10 crore defamation notice to Vidnyan Mane through his lawyer
- Both parties have made serious allegations against each other through media channels
- The personal allegations involving Smriti Mandhana have added complexity to the dispute
This case highlights the intersection of financial disputes, personal relationships, and legal actions within India's entertainment industry. The substantial amounts involved—₹40 lakh in alleged cheating and ₹10 crore in the defamation claim—indicate the serious nature of the accusations from both sides.
The entertainment industry and legal observers will be watching closely as this dispute potentially moves through India's legal system, with both reputations and significant financial stakes hanging in the balance.
