Kaashvi Hiranandani-8Bit Thug Row: Gaming Creator Accuses Animesh Agarwal of Financial Fraud, Files Case (Watch Video)
Gaming creator Kaashvi 'Kaash Plays' Hiranandani has filed an FIR against 8Bit Thug and 8Bit Creatives, accusing them of systematic financial fraud and cheating. In a detailed YouTube video, Hiranandani claimed the agency withheld up to 58% of her brand deal earnings through undisclosed contract cuts and double-dipping
Popular Indian gaming content creator Kaashvi Hiranandani, widely known online as Kaash Plays, has reportedly initiated legal action against Animesh '8Bit Thug' Agarwal and his talent management agency, 8Bit Creatives. Hiranandani, a prominent figure in the country’s esports and lifestyle streaming community, has accused Agarwal and the agency of cheating and financial fraud. The development follows her high-profile exit from the S8UL esports ecosystem and 8Bit Creatives. India’s Gaming Industry: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Meet With Top Young Gamers Highlights Gaming As Viable Career Option in India, Says Industry Leaders.
Kaashvi Hiranandani Files FIR Against 8Bit Thug
Hiranandani has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Animesh Agarwal, alleging a long-standing pattern of financial misrepresentation and breach of trust during her time managed by his company.
Detailing the allegations in a video titled "How I Got Scammed by 8bit Thug" posted on her YouTube channel, Hiranandani claimed that the agency systematically withheld substantial portions of her earnings from brand collaborations. According to her, 8Bit Creatives engaged in double-dipping—underreporting the actual contract values offered by brands while simultaneously charging her a standard management commission on the reduced figures.
"I was told a completely different number by my agency compared to what the brands were actually paying," Hiranandani shared in her video. She explained that upon reviewing her actual contract details, she discovered that the agency was allegedly keeping an undisclosed 40% cut of the brand deals outright, before applying their agreed-upon 30% management commission on the remaining balance.
"In reality, they were taking nearly 58% of my total earnings while I was left with just 42%," she stated. Hiranandani added that despite using her own funds to produce high-budget content to elevate her profile and represent the organisation, she was kept in the dark about her true market value and earnings.
Kaashvi Hiranandani on How She Got Scammed by 8Bit Thug
8Bit Thug Yet to React
Animesh "8Bit Thug" Agarwal and the management of 8Bit Creatives have yet to issue a formal public statement or legal counter-response regarding the FIR and the fraud allegations. Agarwal, who is a highly influential figure in the Indian gaming space as the co-founder of S8UL Esports, has historically been credited with shaping the careers of several top-tier creators in the country. However, Hiranandani's public accusations have sparked intense debate across the Indian gaming community regarding the transparency of talent management contracts and the commission structures imposed on young creators. Actress-Entrepreneur Parul Gulati Alleges Major Fraud of Over INR 8 Lakh at Her Nish Hair Bengaluru Store; Two Employees Under Scanner (Watch Video).
Industry observers note that this legal dispute could mark a pivotal turning point for creator-agency relationships in India's rapidly expanding USD 3 billion gaming and influencer ecosystem.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 10:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).