Producer seeks damages from Netflix for `unauthorised' use of Hera Pheri character Baburao Apte
Mumbai (PTI): Film producer Firoz Nadiadwala has issued a legal notice to Netflix, accusing it of unauthorised use of the character of `Baburao Ganpatrao Apte' from the 2000 film "Hera Pheri" in "The Great Indian Kapil Show".
He has demanded Rs 25 crore from the streaming giant for the alleged infringement of intellectual property rights.
In the upcoming episode of comedian Kapil Sharma’s show, actor Kiku Sharda will be seen enacting the famous character.
Advocate Sana Raees Khan on Thursday sent a notice to Netflix on Nadiadwala's behalf.
The fictional character of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte or Babu Bhaiya is "exclusively conceived, developed and produced under the creative and commercial authority" of Nadiadwala, the notice said.
With his distinctive persona, dialogues, appearances and mannerisms, this character has become iconic and enjoys cult recognition, it added.
The name `Baburao Ganpatrao Apte' is also a registered trademark, it said.
If Netflix failed to deal with the issue within two days, he will pursue both civil and criminal action against the platform, the notice warned.
Netflix's representatives were unavailable for comment.
Paresh Rawal played the character of Baburao Apte in the hit comedy directed by Priyadarshan and written by Neeraj Vora, also starring Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka Speaker U T Khader condoles death of Shamanur Shivashankarappa
Belagavi (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Monday condoled the death of veteran politician Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
The 94-year-old Davangere South MLA died in a private hospital on Sunday after a prolonged illness. His last rites will be performed in Davangere on Monday.
Mourning his demise, Khader said it is a painful day for the House as the sitting member of the state Assembly and former minister has died.
"His contribution to society is vast, not only politically but also religiously, socially and culturally," Khader told reporters here.
In his 94 years Shivashankarappa demonstrated how to take everyone along and used to solve many problems with a smile and patience.
The Speaker said the Assembly members will pay condolences to the departed soul, after which the session will be adjourned for Tuesday.
To a question whether he was looking to increase business hours this time, Khader said there is a business advisory committee that will look into it.
