'I spoke to Bharatbhai this morning. I'm shocked!'

rediff Entertainment Bureau

Film financier and diamond merchant Bharat Shah was arrested on Monday morning by the Bombay police's Crime Branch over the alleged funding of his Chori Chori Chupke Chupke by the underworld.

Immediately after the arrest, he was taken to the special designated court where Judge Bangale passed an order remanding him to police custody till January 19.

Shah was taken to the crime branch office at Colaba where he will be held in a lock-up during the remand period.

Hindi film industry figures expressed disbelief at the news.

Many expressed shock at the fact that the industry's leading financier could be involved in such a deal.

However, at the moment, the general reaction is to wait and watch.

Producer/director Rakesh Roshan refused to comment, saying, "Although the news of Bharatbhai's arrest is disturbing, I would rather wait till all the details came in."

Earlier, reacting to the arrest, movie mogul Subhash Ghai said, "I just can't believe it. And to think of it, I spoke to Bharat bhai on the phone just this morning. I am indeed shocked!"

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