From humble beginnings selling sarees amidst Kolkata’s vibrant streets to establishing a formidable presence in the Bollywood landscape, Vashu Bhagnani’s story is one of perseverance. His shift from the construction sector to the realm of film production has birthed many successful hits.
Vashu Bhagnani built one of Bollywood’s most talked-about production houses after starting his working life on a footpath, where he sold sarees as a young boy. The producer, who founded Pooja Entertainment, spoke about leaving Kolkata, settling in Mumbai, growing his construction business, entering films, and facing losses despite backing major releases.
His story spans small trades, fast growth, film production, and recent box office setbacks.
Vashu Bhagnani’s journey from saree seller to producer
In a conversation on Zindagi podcast, Vashu Bhagnani said his life changed after his family moved from Kolkata to Mumbai during Holi. He said, “Construction work started from there. We had our saree work in Kolkata. But Mumbai changed my land. During Holi, we came to Mumbai and never went back to Delhi. It was destiny. I had never thought I would settle in Mumbai.”He added, “I came to Mumbai on Holi. Then stayed here, bought a plot and started construction. The business spread fast. I built 12 to 15 buildings in three to four years. I expanded the work, then started making audio cassettes.”Bhagnani also recalled his difficult childhood. He said, “I used to sell sarees on the footpath. The boy who sold sarees on the road at the age of 13 has reached here today. This journey will always be remembered by me and my children.”
Vashu Bhagnani’s films and losses
Bhagnani said he began with 10,000 and later grew into one of the top companies. He claimed, “We used to make three lakh pieces every day, which no one in India has made till today.” After that, he entered films when Mukta Arts founder Subhash Ghai advised him to sign David Dhawan and Govinda.He said he took the money the next morning and signed a film. Over the years, his banner produced films such as ‘Coolie No. 1,’ ‘Hero No. 1,’ ‘Biwi No. 1,’ ‘Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein,’ ‘Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai,’ ‘Ganapath,’ and ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan.’The producer also said his company has made more than 40 films. Still, recent releases brought heavy losses. ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’ failed at the box office in 2024. Despite setbacks, Bhagnani remains part of the film business.
