Veteran actor and filmmaker Deepak Tijori has reportedly lodged a complaint with the Bangur Nagar Police Station, alleging he was cheated of Rs 2.5 lakhs in a purported film funding arrangement. The complaint details a sophisticated scheme involving false promises of securing a Letter of Interest (LoI) from a major television network, intended to attract investors for Tijori's upcoming project.
Deepak Tijori, a familiar face in Hindi cinema since the 1990s, was actively seeking investors for his next directorial venture, tentatively titled 'Tom Dick and Mary.' The film, which he completed scripting in December 2024, is estimated to require a production budget of around Rs 25 crores.
How the Deception Unfolded
According to the complaint filed on January 13, 2026:
• Initial Contact: In early February 2025, a woman named Kavita Shibag Kapoor approached Tijori at his Goregaon residence, claiming strong affiliations with major industry players like T-Series and the Zee Network.
• Introduction to Facilitator: Kapoor then introduced Tijori to Fauzia RC, who allegedly promised to secure a crucial Letter of Interest (LoI) from the Zee Network. This LoI was presented as a key document to help attract significant investors for the film's production.
• Processing Fee Demand: The two women assured Tijori that the LoI would be procured within a week and demanded Rs 2.5 lakhs as a processing fee.
• Payment & MoU: Trusting their representations, Tijori signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the intermediary on February 21, 2025, and subsequently transferred the demanded amount to an account linked to Fauzia on February 22, 2025.
The Realization of a Scam
Months passed, but the promised Letter of Interest never materialized. The accused individuals allegedly stopped responding to Tijori's calls and inquiries, raising his suspicions. Further investigation revealed a critical detail:
• Fake Industry Contact: Tijori was introduced over the phone to a person identified only as “Joshi,” purportedly representing the Zee Network. However, later verification with senior officials at the organization revealed that no such individual was employed there, confirming the deception.
Police Complaint Filed
Upon realizing he had been defrauded through false identities and unverified industry affiliations, Deepak Tijori approached the police. An FIR has been registered, naming Kavita Shibag Kapoor, Fauzia RC, and an unidentified third person. Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have been invoked for alleged cheating and criminal conspiracy. This incident serves as a stark reminder for those in the film industry to exercise extreme caution when dealing with funding proposals and alleged industry connections.
