But Kashyap had rubbished her allegations, saying shooting had been stopped because of the heat, and no cheques had bounced. Lajmi, who returned to Mumbai on Tuesday evening, said that 30% of the crew members are still in Bhopal.

However, Kashyap, who left Bhopal on Wednesday morning, said that those who are still there are staying back because of continued shooting, and not because they were held hostage. Accepted film just for Lajmi: Ila Arun Veteran actor Ila Arun, who was also in Bhopal for the shoot, said, "I was the only one to receive payment.

He (Kashyap) could not fool me because he knew I'm very strict with contracts. In fact, his contract too was very loose.

My husband sat with him and made a proper contract. He paid my signing amount long ago, and now it's time for my second installment.

But I can't ask, seeing the condition of the unit members, who have not got even their first installment. I have not faced such an incident in my forty-year career.

Rajiv is not a professional. He should not have started the shoot because the money crunch was visible from the very first day.

It was only because of Kalpanaji that I accepted this film." We didn't hold them hostage: Hotels A receptionist from one of the hotels where the film crew was staying, said that their cheques had bounced, but added, "Now, the payment has been cleared.

They'll be leaving on Wednesday morning. They were not held hostage.

We treated them like any other guests." The other hotel too, said payments had been done in cash by Kashyap after the cheques bounced, and denied holding any crew member.

Also, unit members we spoke to denied any problems. Saidah Jules, a crew member, said, "It's not about money.

Some actors completed their schedule anyway. I'm still in Bhopal for some personal work.

" Darshan Singh , the production manager, said, "We did some work today on Tuesday also. We are returning on Wednesday.

Everything has been sorted out." I can take legal action: Producer Rajiv Kashyap, when we spoke to him on Tuesday evening, called Lajmi a mad woman.

"She's mad and should be in an asylum. If Kalpana continues to behave this way, I'll change the director.

She is also accusing me of sending her obscene messages. It's ridiculous.

In the last three months, I have sent her just one message, and I don't think it was obscene in any sense. It was because of her abusive and bad behavior that my shoot has suffered.

I've spent more than 6 lakh on her hotel and food bills." He also denied the hostage situation, and said, "Not everyone can go back on the same day.

There are limited flights, and I'm arranging tickets. I'm still in the city because we are shooting some landscapes and monuments.

Only those members are still in Bhopal who have to shoot, like the lightmen and cameramen, and those with personal work." Ila Arun also said she doesn't want to back out of the film.

"I felt so hollow with the sudden pack-up of the film. I gave birth to this character.

I gave my best to this film. I'm still hopeful," she said.

At the time of going to press, Lajmi was expected to organise a press meet in Mumbai, announcing pressing of criminal charges against Kashyap for "absconding, harassing, threatening and holding the film unit stranded with crew taken hostage by hotels." (less)