Popular fashion designer Manish Malhotra finally announced his much-awaited directorial debut with a biographical film on the iconic actress Meena Kumari. However, the announcement witnessed a lot of mixed reactions from netizens. To top it off, the fashion designer’s revelation has also invited a potential legal showdown with the family of the legendary director Kamal Amrohi, namely his son Tajdar and daughter Rukhsar.
The reports of Manish Malhotra’s ambitious project sparked debate as the fashion designer-turned-director confirmed the biographical film, which ultimately grabbed the attention of Kamal Amrohi's children. As per the Times Now reports, Tajdar and the family were eagerly waiting for confirmation from Malhotra before taking any legal action.
Reacting to the recent official update on Malhotra’s behalf, Tajdar passionately asserted, "Yes, my sister and I will now take appropriate action. There is no limit to these people's shamelessness. They didn't even seek our permission (to make the film). She (Meena Kumari) is my mother, for God's sake! Not that we've granted them permission even if they had asked our consent."
Moreover, both Manish Malhotra and actress Kriti Sanon, who is all set to portray Meena Kumari on the big screen, have refrained from making any public comments on the issue.
However, Manish Malhotra’s close friend has revealed that the designer-director is already taking pre-emptive measures to handle any potential legal challenges. "Maybe they will change the names of the main characters and put a disclaimer, if push comes to shove," Manish Malhotra’s close friend was quoted as saying by Times Now.
Previously, Meena Kumari’s biopic was considered by several filmmakers including, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Hansal Mehta. But, from the looks of it, Malhotra has taken the reins of the project.
Interestingly, critically acclaimed filmmaker Imtiaz Ali had expressed his desire to make a film on the life of the legendary actress Madhubala. However, so far, the late actress' family has not granted Ali permission to proceed with the project.
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