In a significant development, veteran Bollywood director Kawal Sharma, who had been evading authorities since 2022, was apprehended by the Uttarakhand Police in Mumbai on June 7, 2025. Sharma, known for directing films like "Jeete Hain Shaan Se" (1987) and "Heeralal Pannalal" (1999) which featured stars like Sanjay Dutt, Mithun Chakraborty, Govinda, and Jeetendra, was wanted in connection with a cheque bounce case.
The case against Sharma dates back to 2013 when, around the release of his film "Delhi Eye," he allegedly borrowed Rs. 25 lakhs from a businessman and supermodel. Sharma promised to repay Rs. 50 lakhs within 30 days of the film's release and issued a cheque for the agreed amount. However, the cheque bounced, leading the businessman to file a legal complaint in 2015.
Following the complaint, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Haldwani sentenced Sharma on January 17, 2019, to one year of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 51.10 lakhs. Although Sharma secured bail from the District and Sessions Judge, Nainital, in February 2019, his appeal against the conviction was dismissed in 2022. Since then, he had been absconding, evading multiple court summons, warrants, and public notices published in Mumbai newspapers. Sharma cited financial hardship and fear of incarceration as reasons for his failure to appear before the court.
Faced with Sharma's continued absence and non-cooperation, authorities registered an FIR (No. 0-37/2024) under Sections 229K and 174K of the IPC at Kotwali Haldwani, leading to the issuance of a non-bailable warrant against him. Acting on this warrant, a dedicated police team from Haldwani, led by policeman Rajesh Yadav, tracked Sharma to City Mall in Andheri, Mumbai, where he was finally apprehended.
The arrest marks the culmination of a long pursuit and underscores the commitment of the Uttarakhand Police to uphold the law, regardless of an individual's status or connections. Sharma's evasion of justice had been a matter of concern, and his capture sends a strong message about accountability and the consequences of defying the judicial process.
Following his arrest, Sharma is expected to be transported to Uttarakhand, where he will face further legal proceedings related to his conviction and subsequent evasion. The police have indicated that they will ensure he faces the consequences of his actions as mandated by the court.
The Kawal Sharma case serves as a reminder of the legal responsibilities that come with financial transactions, even for those in the entertainment industry. It highlights the potential repercussions of financial misconduct and the importance of adhering to legal and judicial processes. The arrest has sparked conversations within the Bollywood community about ethics and responsibility among filmmakers, and it may serve as a cautionary tale for others in the industry. As the legal proceedings continue, the film fraternity and the public will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and what it means for Sharma's future in the film industry.
