Now, a few days ago, Madhur Bhushan had told Pinkvilla that no one should attempt any kind of project – based on or inspired by Madhubala – without her approval. “Please don’t spoil this moment for us… If people don’t pay heed to my requests, I’ll have no other option but to take stern legal action and sue them for transgressing on my family’s rights as well as such emotional and mental harassment. All those people who deal with such a project shall be dragged to the court. I am a fighter, and will fight it out that way too.” This had come soon after Tutu had confirmed with ETimes that he is planning to make a film based on the biography. Clearly, Madhur was referring to Sharma’s plans that were out in public domain. Well, let us tell you that Madhur Bhushan had then raised her objection in trade papers.
ETimes now has it that Madhur Bhushan meant business. She sent a second round of objection. Is Sharma still going ahead with his plans of making a biopic on Madhubala? We called him, this afternoon. Pat came the reply, “Of course. I am very much going ahead. I am still going ahead,” he emphasised.
Last time out when we had spoken to him, Sharma had said, “The biography book titled ‘Madhubala: Dard ka Safar’ written/ authored by Ms Sushila Kumari has been in the public domain for several years. Madhubala ji is a well-known public figure and it’s important that her story is made on celluloid for the public to see. I believe that it’s well settled law that nobody can claim copyright on a public figure’s life, not even their own kin. If that was the case we wouldn’t have seen so many biopics made on prominent figures through the history of our nation. Any claims being made are frivolous and already being taken care of by my legal team.” Will Tutu discuss Madhubala’s personal life in his film? “I will do whatever the book has,” he’d quipped. Today, Sharma added, “I spoke on my stand loud and clear to ETimes, last time. It stands the same. FYI, we are backed by a big corporate and my legal team is confident about what we are doing. ”
The daggers are clearly drawn. This is a developing story. Stay tuned to ETimes.
