Neil Nitin Mukesh withdraws from ‘Universal Idol’ over payment dispute

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh has officially stepped down as brand ambassador of the music reality show Universal Idol, citing serious payment issues with the organisers, HMC Events.

Also Read: Neil Nitin Mukesh marks Malayalam debut with Prithviraj-starrer ‘Khalifa’

Advertisement

The actor announced his decision through a social media statement, saying the agreed remuneration was not honoured despite repeated assurances.

Claims three cheques were returned unpaid

In his note, Neil revealed that three cheques issued to him had bounced. He said both he and his team made several attempts to resolve the matter amicably, but received no satisfactory response.

“This is to formally announce my exit as Brand Ambassador from ‘The Universal Idol’ associated with HMC Events. Despite repeated assurances, my agreed payments were not honoured,” his statement read.

He described the bounced cheques as a “serious breach of trust and commitment”.

Cuts all ties with organisers

Following the dispute, the actor confirmed he is ending all present and future associations with the show and its organisers.

Neil stated that he has withdrawn from Universal Idol, HMC Events, and individuals linked to the project with immediate effect.

Issues caution to industry peers

The actor also used the opportunity to warn fellow artists and collaborators to be careful while entering professional agreements.

He noted that the statement was being issued in the interest of transparency and added that he reserves the right to pursue legal remedies if required.

Last seen in ‘Ek Chatur Naar’

On the work front, Neil was most recently seen in the black comedy thriller Ek Chatur Naar, directed by Umesh Shukla.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in)

The film also featured Divya Khossla and is set in a quirky small-town backdrop, revolving around an ambitious woman whose sharp instincts lead to unexpected twists.

Also Read: Ram Gopal Varma drops ‘brutal truths’ on ‘Dhurandhar’ vs ‘Toxic’, then backtracks with clarification