Kapil Sharma’s Comedy Show Faces Rs 25 Crore Lawsuit Over Unauthorized ‘Baburao’ Skit
Firoz Nadiadwala accuses producers of ripping off iconic character from ‘Phir Hera Pheri’; demands massive compensation for copyright breach.
NewsArc Bureau
Mumbai: In a dramatic turn for Indian television comedy, renowned producer Firoz Nadiadwala has slapped a hefty Rs 25 crore legal notice on “The Kapil Sharma Show” for allegedly infringing on his intellectual property. The controversy erupts over a popular skit featuring the character “Baburao,” which Nadiadwala claims is a direct lift from his blockbuster 2006 film Phir Hera Pheri
The dispute highlights growing tensions in the entertainment industry over creative boundaries between films and TV adaptations. Nadiadwala, known for his hit comedy franchises including the *Hera Pheri* series, argues that the show’s portrayal of the bumbling, memorable Baburao—famously essayed by Paresh Rawal in the movie—mirrors the character’s quirks, dialogue, and mannerisms without securing necessary rights. This unauthorized usage, he contends, not only dilutes the film’s legacy but also causes financial harm by capitalizing on its cultural cachet.
“The character Baburao is the heart and soul of *Phir Hera Pheri*, a creation that has become synonymous with Indian comedy gold,” a source close to Nadiadwala told reporters. “Using it freely on a national TV platform without permission is a clear violation, and we’re seeking fair compensation for the damage done.”
The legal notice, served recently to the show’s production house, demands immediate cessation of the skit and payment of Rs 25 crore to cover lost licensing fees, reputational impact, and potential future royalties. It comes at a time when “The Kapil Sharma Show,” a staple on Sony Entertainment Television, continues to draw massive viewership with its celebrity guests and satirical bits, often drawing inspiration from pop culture staples.
As of now, neither Kapil Sharma nor the production team has issued an official response, though industry insiders speculate negotiations could be underway to avoid court escalation. The comedian, celebrated for his quick-witted humor, has previously navigated controversies but faces a stiffer challenge here amid stricter IP enforcement in Bollywood.
This isn’t the first time TV shows have borrowed from cinematic hits—think of countless parodies—but Nadiadwala’s aggressive stance signals a shift toward protecting original content in an era of viral memes and cross-media skits. Legal experts note that proving exact replication could be key, with precedents like the *Hera Pheri* franchise’s enduring popularity bolstering the producer’s case.
Fans of both the film and the show are divided, with social media buzzing about whether it’s harmless fun or outright theft. As the saga unfolds, it serves as a reminder that laughter, while universal, comes with a price tag in today’s content wars.
