Netflix’s The Great Indian Kapil Show is a popular show starring Kapil Sharma, Kiku Sharda, Krushna Abhishek and more. The latest episode of the show with Akshay Kumar has been grabbing spotlight because of its humour, but recently the same episode has become the center of a legal issue. The producer of the Hera Pheri franchise has sent a legal notice because of Kiku Sharda’s sketch as ‘Baburao Ganpatrao Apte’.
Producer, Firoz A. Nadiadwala sent legal notice to Netflix
In the recent episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show, Akshay Kumar came to promote his film, Jolly LLB 3. During the episode, comedian, Kiku Sharda performed an act on ‘Baburao’. Soon, the producer of the Hera Pheri series, Firoz A. Nadiadwala claimed that it was without permission and sent a legal notice. According to News18, the producer said in a statement:
“Baburao is not just a character, but the soul of Hera Pheri. This legacy was built with our sweat, vision, and creativity, and no one can hijack or misuse it without our permission. Paresh Rawalji nurtured the role and put his heart and soul into it. No one has the right to misuse it for wrongful commercial gain. We will protect what we have created because culture is not for exploitation, it is for preservation.”
Producer, Firoz A. Nadiadwala demands Rs. 25 crores
In the legal notice that Firoz Nadiadwala’s team sent to Netflix and The Great Indian Kapil Show includes a lot of violations, including copyright infringement under Section 51 of the Copyright Act, 1957 and trademark infringement under Section 29 of the Trademarks Act, as ‘Baburao’ is a registered trademark owned by his family.
The notice has demanded the removal of that particular segment from all the platforms, social media and third party channels. They have also demanded a written undertaking ensuring the character will not be used in the future, which needs to be given in 24 hours. Additionally, they have demanded Rs. 25 crores, within two days of receiving the notice, failing which there will be a civil and criminal action.
Firoz A. Nadiadwala’s lawyer warns of legal action
After Firoz Nadiadwala’s team sent a legal notice to Netflix and The Great Indian Kapil Show, his lawyer, Sana Raees Khan came forward and highlighted the seriousness of the matter. She was quoted as saying:
“The unauthorised use of my client’s iconic character is not just infringement; it is blatant theft for commercial gain. The law will not allow the dilution of rights that have been lawfully earned and zealously protected. These rights will be defended with the full force of legal action so that no one treats a creative legacy as a free commodity for exploitation.”
More about the Hera Pheri franchise
The Hera Pheri franchise is one of Bollywood’s most iconic series, which is loved by generations. The first part released in 2000, while the second one in 2006, which cemented ‘Baburao Ganpatrao Apte’ as a cult character. A few weeks ago, there were headlines about Paresh Rawal leaving the third part, but he has confirmed his role in Hera Pheri 3 and the shooting of the same will begin in early 2026.
What are your thoughts on Firoz A. Nadiadwala’s legal notice? Let us know.
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