The finale episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show has run into controversy after a legal notice was sent by producer Firoz A Nadiadwala. The notice was issued against Netflix and the show’s production house for using the iconic character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, made famous by Paresh Rawal in the Hera Pheri franchise, without permission.
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In the episode, comedian Kiku Sharda was seen impersonating Baburao, which upset the makers of the original film. According to Nadiadwala, Baburao is not just a comic character but the soul of Hera Pheri. He stated that the legacy of the film was built with hard work, creativity, and passion, and no one has the right to misuse it for commercial gain. He also praised Paresh Rawal for giving life to the role with his performance.
The legal notice claims that the act amounts to copyright infringement under Section 51 of the Copyright Act, 1957. It also points to trademark infringement under Section 29 of the Trademarks Act, since Baburao is a registered trademark owned by the Nadiadwala family. The notice further highlights that the impersonation violated exclusive rights under Section 14 of the Copyright Act, which protects public communication and inclusion of the work in films.
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The producer’s legal team has demanded that the content be removed immediately from Netflix, social media, and all third-party platforms. They have also asked for a written assurance that the act will not be repeated without prior permission. Along with this, they are seeking an apology within 24 hours and damages worth ₹25 crore. If these demands are not met, civil and criminal action will be taken against those involved.
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Firoz Nadiadwala’s lawyer, Sana Raees Khan, said that the unauthorised use of Baburao is not only infringement but also outright theft of a creative legacy. She added that the law will protect the rights of the creators and prevent anyone from exploiting a cultural icon for wrongful benefit.
As of now, Netflix and the production team have not released an official response to the legal notice. With the finale episode featuring Akshay Kumar scheduled to air soon, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact the show.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
