The Controversy Explained

Kapil Sharma’s hit Netflix show has once again run into controversy. This time, the trouble stems from a comedy segment where actor Kiku Sharda appeared as Baburao, the beloved character originally played by Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri. The brief act in a promo featuring Akshay Kumar and Kapil Sharma has triggered a legal storm, with producer Firoz Nadiadwala filing a Rs 25 crore lawsuit.

Why Baburao Matters

For millions of fans, Baburao is not just a character but the heart and soul of Hera Pheri. Nadiadwala, who owns the rights, stressed that the role was built with immense creative effort and brought to life by Paresh Rawal’s legendary performance. In his statement, he warned that no one has the liberty to exploit such cultural legacies for commercial gain, especially without permission.

The Legal Angle

According to Nadiadwala’s team, the character Baburao is a registered trademark and enjoys protection under both the Trademarks Act and the Copyright Act. The notice accuses Netflix and the show’s producers of copyright and trademark infringement, pointing to specific provisions that guard against the unauthorised use of intellectual property.

Advocate Sana Raees Khan, representing Nadiadwala, described the act as blatant theft rather than mere parody. She emphasised that creative legacies must be preserved and defended with full legal force.

Demands From The Producers

The legal team has asked for all offending content to be immediately removed from Netflix, social media, and other platforms. They also want a written undertaking ensuring that such usage of Baburao will not be repeated, along with a public apology within 24 hours.

What It Means For The Show

The timing of the lawsuit is significant, as Akshay Kumar’s guest appearance was supposed to mark the grand finale of the current season. Fans now worry if the episode will ever make it to air. The matter has raised broader questions about creative freedom versus intellectual property rights in India’s booming comedy and OTT space.

Final Word

While the show’s future episodes hang in uncertainty, one thing is clear: Baburao remains a character too iconic to be imitated without consequence. As the legal battle unfolds, viewers are eagerly watching whether Netflix and Kapil Sharma’s team will issue an apology or fight the case in court.

 

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