Singh, who produced 8 x 10 Tasveer and has backed critically acclaimed films such as Kanchivaram and Firaaq, said the experience left a lasting impact on his career, prompting him to step away from film production. He stressed that his remarks were not driven by personal animosity, adding that his relationship with Kumar had been cordial and that they socialised during the period.
According to Singh, the film—directed by Nagesh Kukunoor—was conceived at a time when both the director and Kumar were enjoying strong professional momentum. The project was initially budgeted at ₹30–35 crore, with Munnar planned as the principal shooting location. However, Singh said repeated changes to the schedule due to Kumar’s commitments led to frequent location shifts, including Calgary and Cape Town, substantially increasing costs.
Released soon after Kumar’s blockbuster Singh Is Kinng, 8 x 10 Tasveer underperformed commercially. Singh said he subsequently approached the actor seeking a partial refund or fee adjustment, arguing that the producer alone should not bear the financial fallout. “I told him that the film didn’t work and that responsibility should be shared,” Singh said, adding that his request was declined.
Singh further claimed that Kumar approaches fee negotiations strategically, with remuneration escalating during discussions. He cited figures that, according to him, rose incrementally and culminated in a final amount aligned with what he described as the actor’s preferred “lucky” number. These assertions reflect Singh’s personal account and have not been independently verified.
There has been no immediate response from Akshay Kumar or his representatives to the allegations. Industry observers note that fee structures are typically governed by contracts, and post-release adjustments are uncommon unless pre-negotiated through profit-sharing or performance-linked clauses.
The episode has sparked renewed debate within the industry over whether leading actors should share downside risk when projects fail, especially as production budgets rise and box office outcomes remain volatile. While Singh’s claims spotlight a long-running concern among producers, they also underscore the importance of clearer financial frameworks in star-driven projects.
