Even before Sanjay Leela Bhansali helmed Gangubai Kathiawadi could reach halfway, it has already landed in legal trouble. Post lockdown, the makers had resumed the night shoot of the film. After completing the night schedule, Alia dashed off to Hyderabad to begin the shoot of her debut Telugu film RRR helmed by SS Rajamouli. While Gangubai Kathiawadi is yet to wrap its shooting, Gangubai’s son Babuji Rawji Shah has filed a case against Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Alia Bhatt, Bhansali Productions, writer Hussain Zaidi and reporter Jane Borges on Dec 20. Gangubai Kathiawadi is based on The Mafia Queens of Mumbai book, which is written by Zaidi with original research done by Borges.
According to a report in The Print, Gangubai’s son Babuji Rawji has called the book defamatory and objected to the 2nd part of the book from pages 50 to 69. As per his petition, Shah has called it defamatory in nature and an infringement upon the right to privacy, self-respect and liberty. The first hearing of the case was held on Dec 22 and Bombay Civil Court gave the defendants time till 7 January to revert. In his case, Babuji has sought the deletion of specific chapters and halting the production of the film. He also seeks a stay on restraining printing and circulation of the book.
Babuji Rawji Shah’s lawyer Narendra Dubey, told to ThePrint that they may also file a case against SLB, Alia, writer and researcher for defamation, indecent representation of women, and circulation of obscene and indecent material, in the coming week.
Lawyer Dubey told portal, “Ever since the promo of the film came out, rumours have spread and Shah has been harassed in his own locality. His leg was fractured from being hit. His relatives are also suffering as they are now being known as coming from a ‘prostitute family’.” (ALSO READ: Alia Bhatt Heads For Rajamouli's RRR, Will Resume Shooting For Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Gangubai Kathiawadi In A Week - EXCLUSIVE)
Images Source: instagram/aliabhatt