Ajay Devgn paid me to bash ‘Ae Dil…’: alleges KRK

Mumbai, Sep 2 (PTI) After actor Ajay Devgn posted an audioof self-proclaimed film critic Kamaal Rashid Khan admitting hewas paid to tweet in favour of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", KRK hasshot back saying it was, in fact, the star who offered himmoney to bash filmmaker Karan Johar’s movie. Ajay’s "Shivaay" and "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" are clashing atthe box-office next month. Last evening, the 47-year-old actor tweeted the audioconversation of KRK and "Shivaay" producer Kumar Mangat, wherethe latter is heard asking him why was he writing things aboutJohar’s movie and critising Devgn’s film. To which, KRK replies, "Have to tweet good things aboutKaran Johar’s film, he paid me 25 lakhs." Mangat then says, "We will also give you Rs 25 lakh…Don’t get ‘Shivaay’ in between." Posting this audio on Twitter, Ajay wrote, "Hear what selfproclaimed no 1 critic and trade analyst Kamaal R Khan has tosay." The actor also released a statement, writing, "I have beena part of the Indian film industry for the past 25 years andhave been associated with over 100 films. My father was aprofessional action director and I have emotional connectionwith this industry. "It therefore pains me to see that people like Kamaal RKhan are holding the film industry to ransom by spreadingnegativity about films to extort money from producers." Ajay even said he wanted an investigation into the matter. "It is very sad that people from our own industry aresupporting such elements and spoiling the ethos of industry. Iwould strongly demand that this be thoroughly investigated bycompetent authorities to clarify if Karan Johar was indeedinvolved in this." In his response, KRK has bashed Devgn. He tweeted, "Let me clear it. Karan Johar has never paidme or asked me to bash #Shivaay and you can hear it in thetape. I said 25 Lakhs to avoid Kumar." In another post, he put blame on Kumar and the "Singham"star by writing, "Kumar+Ajay offered me money to bash#AeDilHaiMushkil as he is offering in the tape also but Irefused. I told them that I will do it free." Karan is yet to break his silence on the matter. Ajay’s actress wife Kajol, who is close friends withKaran, has, however, reacted to the controversy. She re-tweeted the audio link shared by Ajay and wrote,"Shocked." The controversy has resulted in trolling and bashing ofAjay-Kajol and Karan by each other fans. While the filmmaker’s followers are bashing him for being"insecure" about the box-office clash between the two films,Ajay’s fans are poking fun at Karan saying he is scared of"Shivaay". Both the parties have a lot riding on their movies. Ajay makes a comeback to direction with "Shivaay" which hehas often said is his most ambitious project yet while Karanhas gone behind the lens with his Ranbir Kapoor-starrer after agap of four years. The movies arrive this Diwali, October 28. PTI SSN PSHBK