Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently appeared on The Great Indian Kapil Show to promote his upcoming film Jolly LLB 3. During the episode, comedian Kiku Sharda dressed up as the iconic Baburao from Hera Pheri, a move that has now landed the show in legal trouble.
Firoz Nadiadwala Issues ₹25 Crore Notice
Hera Pheri producer Firoz Nadiadwala has sent a ₹25 crore legal notice to Netflix and the makers of The Great Indian Kapil Show, accusing them of using the Baburao character without permission.
Nadiadwala stated, “Baburao is not just a character but the soul of Hera Pheri. It took creativity, vision, and effort to create him. Paresh Rawal breathed life into this role. No one has the right to exploit it without consent.”
Copyright and Trademark Violation Allegations
The notice alleges copyright infringement and trademark violation, citing Section 14 of the Copyright Act and Section 29 of the Trademark Act. According to Nadiadwala, Baburao is a registered trademark of his family, and its unauthorized use on the show is unlawful.
Demands from Nadiadwala’s Team
The legal notice demands:
- Immediate removal of all related segments from Netflix, social media, and other platforms.
- A written assurance that such acts will not be repeated.
- An official apology within 24 hours.
Additionally, they have asked for a ₹25 crore compensation within two days. Failure to comply will lead to civil and criminal proceedings.
Lawyer’s Statement
Nadiadwala’s lawyer, Sana Raees Khan (former Bigg Boss 17 contestant), stated that Netflix and the show’s makers wrongfully profited from content theft. She confirmed that her client is determined to protect his legal rights.
