Underworld threat affects 'Housefull' producer

Producer Sajid Nadiadwala, whose office was visited by alleged underworld goons on Friday (April 9), says he hopes this is a "one-off threat and not the renewal of a frustrating and frightening trend".

"I do have a big release coming up ('Housefull'). Earlier, these calls used to come whenever one of us producers had a big release. I could take this to mean that my film is being perceived as big," Nadiadwala told IANS.

"It's my sense of humour that has always kept me going through every crisis. But jokes apart, I do hope this is a one-off threat and not the renewal of a very frustrating and frightening trend," added the producer who is no stranger to attacks.

Nadiadwala is confined to his home amidst heavy security.

"My security both at home and in the office has been beefed up considerably. I don't feel unsafe. But yes, such an incident does weigh on your mind and hampers your work. I was busy with the mixing of 'Housefull' when this happened. I can pretend everything is normal. But it has affected me," he said.

On Friday morning, goons barged into the compound of Nadiadwala's office in the suburb here and left a number allegedly linked to so-called gangster Ejaz Lakdawala.

"It's not so much me but the ladies in my family, my mother, wife and my daughter who are 'pareshaan' (worried). I keep assuring them I am fine. Nothing will happen. I've full faith in the Maharashtra police.

"Last time in January when there was a crime situation at my home, the cops had acted swiftly and the culprits were nabbed. This time too they've leapt into action. I feel I'm in safe hands.

"I guess it was about money. Luckily, it was too early in the morning for me to be in the office. They asked me to call up on the numbers. I immediately called the cops," said Nadiadwala.

Indo-Asian News Service