Kapil Sharma’s tryst with trouble does not seem to end. Weeks after rumours about Kiku Sharda‘s departure from The Great Indian Kapil Show were abuzz, an act by the comedian has led to legal trouble for show. Producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala has issued a notice worth Rs 25 crore to Netflix and makers for the ‘unauthorised’ use of one of his films’ characters during a segment of the show.
Playing the iconic Baburao from Hera Pheri, Kiku Sharda appeared as Paresh Rawal’s character in the upcoming episode’s promo. Also featuring the host Kapil Sharma and Jolly LLB’s Akshay Kumar, the producer was firm with his demands and sought Rs 25 crore in damages.
‘Baburao is the soul of Hera Pheri’
Nadiadwala issued an official statement that read, “Baburao is not just a character, but the soul of Hera Pheri. This legacy was built with our sweat, vision, and creativity. Paresh Rawal ji nurtured the role with his heart and soul. No one has the right to misuse it for commercial gain. Culture is not for exploitation; it is for preservation.”
Holding the rights to the franchise, the issue accuses Netflix and The Great Indian Kapil Show‘s producers of copyright infringement. Issued under the Copyright Act, 1957, and trademark infringement under Section 29 of the Trademarks Act, ‘Baburao’ is a registered trademark owned by the Nadiadwala family. The complaint also highlights violations under Section 14 of the Copyright Act, which protects exclusive rights to publicly communicate a work and use it in films.
Nadiadwala’s demands
The legal team demanded that all related segments be immediately removed from Netflix, social media platforms, and any third-party channels. They have also requested an undertaking that the character would not repeat the usage of ‘Baburao’ and also release a formal apology within 24 hours.
Representing Nadiadwala is Advocate Sana Raees Khan, who said, “The unauthorised use of my client’s iconic character is not just infringement. It is blatant theft for commercial gain. These rights have been lawfully earned and zealously protected, and will now be defended with full legal force. No one has the liberty to treat a creative legacy as a free-for-all.”
Akshay Kumar’s appearance would have marked the final episode of the show’s season 3. As fans await another season, they are wary of whether this episode will make it on air or not.