SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI AND ALIA BHATT HAVE BEEN SUMMONED BY A COURT IN MUMBAI IN CONNECTION WITH A CRIMINAL DEFAMATION COMPLAINT

25th March 2021

Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actor Alia Bhatt have been summoned by a metropolitan magistrate court in Mumbai in connection with a criminal defamation complaint concerning the upcoming film Gangubai Kathiawadi based on a book written by Hussain Zaidi. One chapter of the book dedicated to Gangubai covers her journey from Gujarat to Maharashtra, and how she became one of the most respected brothel queens.

A defamation case has been filed by Babuji Shah, who claims to be the adopted son of Gangubai. Shah previously filed a civil complaint against Hussain and requested the court to stop publishing his book. However, the court dismissed the petition as it was barred by the limitation period.

Shah stated that the book has tarnished her reputation and infringed the right to privacy of his deceased mother. Now, because of the promo of the movie, his family has been facing inappropriate comments in his vicinity. Shah further stated that his deceased mother was a social worker who fought for the rights of sex workers. Moreover, no consent was obtained from shah before publishing the book or the trailer.

The Court issued summon after finding sufficient grounds against the accused.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal