Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ faces legal challenges

Gangubai Kathiawadi son filed against Bhansali, Alia Bhatt and many others for indecent representation in the film

Ace Bollywood director Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Gangubai Kathiawadi depicts the journey of a woman from a brothel in the city of Kamathipura by the same name. The film is about the life of a young girl sold into prostitution by her boyfriend Ramnik Lal and how she becomes the madam of the brothel.

Unfortunately, the real life Gangubai’s son Babuji Rawji Shah has filed a case against film-maker, as well as the film’s lead star Alia Bhatt for alleged misrepresentation, reported Hindustan Times.

 

Strength. Power. Fear!
One look, a thousand emotions. Presenting the first look of #GangubaiKathiawadi. In cinemas 11 September 2020.@aliaa08 #SanjayLeelaBhansali @prerna982 @jayantilalgada @PenMovies pic.twitter.com/CUSs5TDEBQ

— BhansaliProductions (@bhansali_produc) January 15, 2020

Shah has also filed a case against writer Hussain Zaidi whose novel The Mafia Queens of Mumbai the film is based on. Not only Zaidi but a reporter by the name of Jane Borges whose research was the premise of the book, has also been sued by him.

The Print reports that Shah has alleged that certain portions of The Mafia Queens of Mumbai are offensive and a violation of his right to privacy, his dignity and his freedom. He is seeking permanent termination of the film’s production and changes in the book, demanding the immediate removal of chapters connecting to Gangubai’s life.

Narendra Dubey, Shah’s lawyer, said that in the upcoming week, they may also file a felony complaint contrary to the defendants for “defamation, indecent representation of women and circulation of obscene and indecent material.”

The first hearing was held at the Bombay civil court on Tuesday and the defendants have to respond to the allegations levelled against them by January 7.