Actor-singer Neil Nitin Mukesh has announced his decision to step down as the brand ambassador of music reality show Universal Idol, citing non-payment of dues. On February 23, 2026, he shared a detailed letter on his Instagram Stories, stating that repeated assurances given regarding his agreed fee were not honored.
Neil Nitin Mukesh resigns as Universal Idol brand ambassador over non-payment: “Serious breach of trust and commitment”
In his statement, the actor alleged that three checks issued for his payment were returned unpaid. “Despite repeated assurances, my agreed payments were not honoured. Three checks issued for the same have remained unpaid/bounced, which is a serious breach of trust and commitment. Several follow-ups were made by my team and me personally and opportunities were given to resolve the matter amicably, unfortunately with no outcome,” read an excerpt from his letter.
Neel also named HMC Events and Mr. Shakeel Hassan in his letter and clarified that he has severed all present and future relations with them with immediate effect. “This note has been issued in the interest of transparency and to caution fellow artists, partners, vendors and affiliates to conduct due diligence and be mindful of claims, commitments and payment assurances,” he wrote.
Concluding the letter, the actor said, “I reserve all rights to pursue appropriate remedies available to me under law.”
At this time, there has been no public response from the organizers of Universal Idol or HMC Events regarding the allegations.
