Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmman Khurrana starrer Gulabo Sitabo is all set for OTT release soon. However the much anticipated film has now embroiled in a plagiarism row where writer Juhi Chaturvedi is accused of lifting late writer Rajeev Agarwal’s son, Akira, of copying his father’s story.
Akira’s lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee said that his client has submitted a script titled ‘16, Mohandas Lane’ to ‘Cinestaan India’s Storyteller Script Contest’, in which writer Juhi was part of the jury. The story was submitted on March 2018 and after getting shortlisted the final script was given for submission on 28 June 2018. Calling it baseless allegation to malign her and the film, Juhi said, “My conscience is clear, and so are the facts in this matter. ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ is my original work and I am proud of it. I shared the idea with the director (Shoojit Sircar) and lead actor (Amitabh Bachchan) of the film in early 2017. I subsequently registered the concept note for the film in May 2018.”
“I also must clarify the speculations around my conduct as a jury member for Cinestaan’s contest. I had no access to the so-called infringed script at any point in time, as alleged. This fact has been independently confirmed by Cinestaan as well. Even the Screenwriters Association (SWA), who has looked at this dispute in May 2020, decided in my favour. I speak now to request the press and public not to be disillusioned by false accusations, which are for publicity only. Acts of harassment, defamatory comments, and leaking confidential notices by the accusers only show their lack of faith in their own case. I stand by my truth”, she added
Meanwhile, the production banner Rising Sun Films issued statement stating, “Juhi never received a copy of the supposedly copied script. This has been independently confirmed by the script writing contest organisers as well. Our film’s story is different from that sent out in the notice. It is surprising how grave allegations are being made solely on the basis of a 2 minute 41 second trailer”.
