Just before its grand finale, The Great Indian Kapil Show has found itself in major legal trouble. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala has sent a legal notice to Netflix and the makers of the show, demanding a massive ₹25 crore for using the legendary Baburao Ganpatrao Apte character from the Hera Pheri films without his permission.
The issue started after a promo for the show’s finale was released. The episode features superstar Akshay Kumar, and in the promo, comedian Kiku Sharda is seen dressed as Baburao, the iconic character originally played by Paresh Rawal. This did not sit well with Nadiadwala, who owns the rights to the character.
‘Baburao Is The Soul Of Hera Pheri’
In a strong statement, Firoz Nadiadwala made his feelings clear. “Baburao is not just a character, but the soul of Hera Pheri,” he said. “This legacy was built with our sweat, vision, and creativity. Paresh Rawal ji nurtured the role with his heart and soul. No one has the right to misuse it for commercial gain. Culture is not for exploitation; it is for preservation.”
Nadiadwala’s legal team has accused the show of copyright and trademark infringement. They stated that Baburao is a registered trademark owned by the Nadiadwala family and using it without permission is a direct violation of the law. Advocate Sana Raees Khan, representing Nadiadwala, called the act “blatant theft for commercial gain.”
What The Legal Notice Demands
The legal notice is not just about money. Nadiadwala’s team has laid out a clear set of demands. First, they want all segments featuring the Baburao character to be immediately removed from Netflix, social media, and any other platform. They have also asked for a written promise that the character will not be used again in the future without permission.
On top of this, they are demanding a formal apology within 24 hours. The notice also seeks ₹25 crore in damages and compensation, which must be paid within two days. If these demands are not met, Nadiadwala’s team has warned that they will take further civil and criminal legal action.
This legal battle has cast a dark cloud over the show’s finale, which was supposed to be a big celebration with Akshay Kumar as the final guest on September 20. Now, all eyes are on how Netflix and the show’s creators will respond to these serious allegations.
About Hera Pheri
The Hera Pheri franchise is one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy series. Produced by Firoz Nadiadwala, the films are famous for their hilarious situations and unforgettable characters. The core trio of Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and the iconic landlord Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Paresh Rawal) has a special place in the hearts of Indian audiences.
(Also read: Deepika Padukone Puts Professionalism First: The Real Story Behind Her Exit From The Kalki 2898 AD Sequel )
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