Filmmaker reveals film's underworld ties

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has shed light on the alleged underworld connections that surfaced during the production of the 2001 film 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke.' Initially, financier Bharat Shah was persuaded to back the project after Salman Khan confirmed providing his film dates.

However, Shah later became aware that producer Nazim Rizvi allegedly had ties to underworld figure Chhota Shakeel. Varma explained that Shah believed he was involved in a legal business and did not consider the producer's alleged associations his concern.

The film industry at the time was affected by extortion threats. Varma recounted an incident where an unnamed businessman sought Shah's help to negotiate a ₹5 crore demand down to ₹2 crore, with Shah intervening without personal gain.

Despite Shah's efforts to help, police were monitoring his phone calls. In 2001, both Bharat Shah and Nazim Rizvi were arrested by Mumbai Police. Shah received a one-year sentence for not disclosing Rizvi's alleged links but was released due to time served during the trial. Rizvi and Abdul Rahim Allahbaksh Khan were convicted for their underworld connections and involvement in extortion cases within the film industry.