PNB fraud: Priyanka Chopra ends contract with Nirav Modi

Actress Priyanka Chopra has terminated her three-year contract as global brand ambassador of Nirav Modi Jewels, her spokesperson told media agencies.

The move comes after billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi found himself in the centre of a controversy pertaining to financial fraud and irregularities.

From the time the fraud came to light, Chopra, who signed up as brand ambassador in 2017, had found herself dragged into the matter. Her endorsement was even cited as a case of misleading advertising.

While the 35-year-old actress had said she would not sue the jeweller, she had indicated she might scrap the contract.

Sources say actress Kriti Sanon, the face of diamond jewellery brand Gili from Gitanjali Gems, might also consider scrapping her contract with the latter.
 

Gitanjali Gems, promoted by Modi's uncle Mehul Choksi, is also part of the fraud, pegged at Rs 114 billion, and involving Punjab National Bank as well.
 

Indranil Das Blah, founding partner, Kwan Entertainment & Marketing Solutions, which manages Sanon’s endorsements, said a call was yet to be taken on the matter.

“She has been travelling extensively and we will be able to discuss this once she is back,” he said.

Industry sources said brand endorsements have a clause that allow celebrities to walk out of an agreement in the event of financial fraud or irregularities.
 

Actress Kangana Ranaut is the face of Gitanjali Gems' arm, Nakshatra. She was named the brand ambassador of Nakshatra in 2016.

Atul Kasbekar, chairman and managing director, Bling Entertainment Solutions, the firm that manages her endorsements, declined to comment on what she would do.

Earlier this week, Ranaut and another movie star, Bipasha Basu, the face of Gili before Sanon, accused Gitanjali Gems of unpaid dues.

Ranaut was named the brand ambassador of Nakshatra in 2016, the jewellery line with which actresses Aishwarya Rai and Katrina Kaif were associated with. Basu was the face of Gili nearly a decade ago.