06 May,2026 09:41 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Palash Muchhal (Pic/Instagram)
Music composer Palaash Muchhal has once again found himself at the centre of controversy after Sangli police registered a case against him under the SC/ST Atrocities Act, following a complaint by producer and Smriti Mandhana's friend Vigyan Mane. The dispute is linked to Rs 25 lakh film investment. The producer accused the musician of using casteist remarks against him during an altercation.
According to TV9 Marathi, police stated that Palaash Muchhal had approached Vigyan Mane and taken Rs 25 lakh from him for a film project. After Palaash's wedding with Smriti was called off in November 2025, Mane sought the return of his money.
On November 22, 2026, when Mane went to recover the amount, a heated argument reportedly broke out between Palaash Muchhal and him. During the altercation, Palaash allegedly used casteist slurs. Following the complaint, Sangli city police registered a case against him under Section 3(1) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with Sections 351(2) and 352, and have begun an investigation.
Vigyan Mane spoke to the media and shared his version of events. "He assured me that the film would be completed in six months. However, he turned out to be deceitful. When I asked for my money back, he evaded the issue. When I confronted him, he used derogatory language; I cannot even repeat it on camera. His attitude is quite troubling," he said, as per Zoom.
The case has also brought attention to Palaash Muchhal's past relationship with Smriti Mandhana. The two were earlier engaged and were expected to marry in Sangli in November 2025. However, the wedding was called off as the singer was accused of infidelity.
Opening up about their wedding, Mane had said, "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."
Amid the wedding being called off and the legal battle, Palash announced his next film with Shreyas Talpade in January. In the yet-untitled film, Shreyas will be stepping into the role of a common man. Set against the backdrop of Mumbai, filming is expected to commence soon. This film will mark Palaash Muchhal's third project as a director.
