Bomman, Bellie send legal notice asking Rs 2 cr 'goodwill gesture' from 'Elephant Whisperers' makers
Bengaluru, Aug 6: In a legal notice issued by Bomman and Bellie, the mahout couple made famous by the Oscar-winning documentary The Elephant Whisperers', is seeking a goodwill gesture' of Rs 2 crore from filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves.
In the legal notice, a copy of which is PTI has obtained, it is stated that the couple were promised a proper house and an all-terrain multi-purpose vehicle and sufficient financial support as a one-time lump sum payment (without mentioning the amount) as compensation for their time, based on the income generated from the project.
The legal notice also said that on the one hand, the couple were introduced as "the real heroes" to the elite, celebrities, sports persons and political leaders, gaining wide publicity for them. But on the other hand, the filmmaker got all the financial benefits from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and the Prime Minister of India, the notice stated.
When PTI reached out to Bomman, he said he was advised not to talk about the case anymore and asked us to get in touch with his lawyers for further information.
Chennai-based social activist Pravin Raj, a lawyer by profession, who said he has known the couple for almost a decade, said he put them in touch with a law firm in Chennai when the couple approached him.
"Both Bomman and Bellie are disappointed with Gonsalves, who had promised them monetary help as well as help with the education of Bellie's granddaughter, while making the film. But she now refuses to give even a fraction of the enormous profits made by the film," said Raj.
He said the couple have been following the documentary maker around, doing what she was asking them to do, in the hope that when the film did well, they would all prosper together.
"Instead, Gonsalves is not even picking up the phone when Bomman calls," added Raj.
Advocate Mohammed Mansoor who is handling the case said four days ago he received a reply notice from Sikhya Entertainment Pvt Ltd, on behalf of Gonsalves.
"In that, she has flatly refused any more help stating that she has already given money to the couple. I will be sending her a rejoinder in a couple of days after consulting with my clients," said Mansoor.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued by Sikhya Entertainment Pvt Ltd to the PTI, it is stated: "The goal in creating The Elephant Whisperers' has always been to highlight elephant conservation, the tremendous efforts of the forest department and its mahouts Bomman and Bellie. Since its launch, the documentary has raised awareness of the cause and had a real impact on the mahouts and cavadis community.
"Chief minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin has made donations towards assisting the 91 mahouts and cavadis who look after the state's elephants, constructing eco-friendly houses for the caretakers and developing an elephant camp in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
"The documentary has been celebrated by heads of state across India, and the Academy Award is a moment of national pride that has brought widespread recognition for the work of mahouts like Bomman and Bellie.
"All claims made are untrue. We have deep respect for all of the contributors of this story, and remain driven by the desire to create positive change."
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No hurdle to increase Almatti Dam height, says Deputy CM Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said there is no legal impediment to issuing a notification for the Upper Krishna River Phase-3 project, including raising the height of the Almatti dam, and indicated that the state would soon take a decision after consultations.
Speaking to reporters here after his recent Delhi visit, he also said an all-party meeting may be convened in the state even as there was broad political consensus on taking up irrigation issues with the Centre.
“There is no legal hurdle to issuing a notification for increasing the height of the Almatti dam, and there is no stay order either, as stated by legal experts. We will take our own decision soon. An all-party meeting may also be convened in the State,” Shivakumar, who holds the water resource portfolio, said.
He said 24 Members of Parliament from Karnataka attended a meeting held in Delhi, cutting across party lines except the Janata Dal (Secular), where various irrigation issues were discussed.
“We stayed in Delhi for two days and held a meeting of the State’s Members of Parliament. A total of 24 MPs attended. Except for the Janata Dal (Secular), MPs from the BJP, Congress, Independents and nominated members were present. I briefed them about the status of several irrigation projects in the State,” he said.
Shivakumar said several leaders offered suggestions and an all-party delegation would meet the Prime Minister and the Union Water Resource Minister C R Patil.
“Jagadish Shettar, Govind Karjol, Basavaraj Bommai and P C Mohan offered certain suggestions. Union ministers from Karnataka V Somanna and Pralhad Joshi said they could not attend and requested another meeting. It has been decided to take an all-party delegation to meet the Prime Minister and C R Patil. There is consensus on this,” he said.
Referring to legal consultations, he said, “In this matter, our legal advisors Mohan Katarki, retired judge Nagamohan Das and the Advocate General have given some useful inputs. We will take a decision soon.”
On urban development issues, he said the State has taken up concerns with the Centre regarding building norms. “We have brought to the notice of the Civil Aviation Minister the differences in premium FAR and building height regulations between our state and others. We will soon meet the Defence Minister as well. We have explained the issues faced by our state, and all have responded positively,” he said.
On the proposal for a second airport in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said it would be examined by the Cabinet.
He said state Minister M B Patil has submitted a proposal, and opinions have also been given. It needs to be placed before the Cabinet to discuss the pros and cons.
Issues like land acquisition, finances and other aspects must be examined. A study has been conducted and a report submitted, he added.
The Deputy CM said central aviation authorities have also provided a report on global standards regarding building height restrictions. The state government will take a decision after reviewing that report.
On the upcoming assembly by-elections in Bagalkote and Davangere, Shivakumar, who is also the Congress Karnataka unit president, said candidate selection would be decided by the party high command.
“Over the last two months, I have collected reports from booth level to all levels. Our leaders have visited and given their opinions. I have also spoken to some people. AICC secretaries will arrive in the next two to three days. The Chief Minister and I have discussed what needs to be done in the two constituencies. I cannot disclose it publicly. We will present our views in the interest of the party. ‘B’ forms will be distributed as per the decision of the high command,” he said.
Ruling out any preference for family members, he said, "Family is not important here. The party must win and that is what matters."
He noted that multiple stakeholders, including minorities, have claims that need to be balanced through discussions.
Shivakumar also told reporters that discussions on Assam elections were held with party leaders and another meeting would be conducted through video conference, following which a campaign schedule would be finalised.
Responding to demands for a Cabinet reshuffle, Shivakumar said there was nothing wrong in aspirations.
On whether it would be a reshuffle or power-sharing exercise, he said, “Time will decide.”
He also declined to comment on reports of a separate meeting with Priyanka Gandhi.
“I will not discuss that. I will not reveal whom I met or what I discussed. Time will decide,” he said.
On AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal’s statement that there was no vacancy for the Chief Minister’s post, Shivakumar said, “Yes, he has said there is no vacancy. He has also said that the party and MLAs will take a decision.”
