Poet Yahya Bootwala slams makers of Akshay Kumar's 'Kesari 2' for 'stealing' his work as dialogue
Mumbai: Popular poet Yahya Bootwala has accused the makers of Akshay Kumar’s ‘Kesari 2’ of plagiarising lines from one of his poems without permission or credit.
In a post shared on Instagram, Bootwala pointed out striking similarities between a dialogue delivered by actor Ananya Panday in the film and his poem titled ‘Jallianwala Bagh’ which was published five years ago on the YouTube channel UnErase Poetry. He also shared video clips comparing the two.
‘As writers, the worst thing you can do to a fellow writer is to pick up their material, blatantly use it without giving credits, and this is what I feel dialogue writer @sumit.saxena.35912 has done,” Bootwala wrote in a strongly-worded statement.
Calling it a “clear copy paste,” he accused the makers of openly using his lines without any attempt to modify the material.
While he acknowledged that people’s thoughts and thinking patterns can be similar, Bootwala stressed that writing almost the same lines on a particular topic is not a coincidence.
“Next time you can directly get in touch with me, main likh dunga original dialogues aapke liye,” remarked Bootwala.
The poet requested his fans and followers to amplify his voice, urging them to tag prominent names associated with the film, including Karan Johar, director Karan Singh Tyagi, and actors Akshay Kumar and Ananya Panday. “If you’ve ever connected with my work, help this reach them,” he wrote.
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Bondi Beach shooting: EAM Jaishankar speaks to Australia's Wong
New Delhi (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday conveyed to his Australian counterpart Penny Wong India's "fullest support" to Australia in the wake of a deadly shooting incident at the iconic Bondi Beach targeting a Jewish celebration that left 15 people dead.
In a phone conversation with Wong, Jaishankar also condoled the death of innocent people in the attack.
"Just spoke to Australian Foreign Minister @SenatorWong.Conveyed our deepest condolences about the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and offered our fullest support," he said on social media.
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Fifteen people were killed and over 40 others injured in the attack by two gunmen on Sunday, according to Australian authorities.
Hours after the incident, Jaishankar condemned the terror attack.
Condemn in the strongest terms the terror attack on Hanukkah celebrations in Bondi Beach, he said on Sunday.
"Our thoughts are with the victims and their families," he said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as a "dark moment" for the country.
"This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith," he told reporters.
"At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage," he said.
The shooting at Bondi followed a wave of antisemitic attacks in the country.
The attackers were identified as father and son duo of Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram. The father was shot dead by police while the son sustained injuries and he is undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the world leaders who condemned the attack.
"Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah," Modi said on X on Sunday.
"On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief," he said.
The prime minister said India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms of terrorism.
