The Bollywood film Om Shanti Om (2007) faced legal controversy when veteran actor Manoj Kumar filed a defamation case over a scene mocking his signature pose.
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MUMBAI : The controversy surrounding the Bollywood film Om Shanti Om (2007), starring Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Farah Khan, took a serious legal turn when veteran actor Manoj Kumar took offense to a particular scene mocking his signature pose. This dispute eventually led to a defamation case, with Kumar seeking Rs 100 crore in damages against Shah Rukh Khan and the film’s producers.
The Origin of the Controversy
In 2007, Om Shanti Om—which marked Deepika Padukone’s Bollywood debut—became a massive hit, but it also attracted criticism due to a specific scene parodying Manoj Kumar. The sequence depicted Shah Rukh Khan’s character, Om Prakash Makhija, using a stolen movie premiere pass meant for Manoj Kumar. The scene humorously exaggerated Kumar’s famous hand-over-face gesture, leading to security personnel failing to recognize him.
Manoj Kumar found the portrayal disrespectful and reached out to the film’s makers, requesting them to delete the scene. Director Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan assured him that the scene would be removed from all future screenings.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Apology in 2007
Following the controversy, Shah Rukh Khan personally apologized to the veteran actor, acknowledging the oversight. He stated in a press interaction,
“I was completely wrong. If he (Manoj Kumar) is hurt, I sincerely apologize. I called him in the afternoon, and the first thing he told me was, ‘It is no big deal, son.’”
Khan further admitted that he should have been more cautious and proactive about informing Manoj Kumar regarding the spoof.
“People do parodies; it is a common practice. However, I should have been extra careful and informed him beforehand,”
he said.
Manoj Kumar’s legal counsel, Mukesh Vashi, also commented on the matter at the time, noting that his client felt deeply offended by the scene but was considering the best course of action.
“Indian audiences have idolized Manoj Kumar as a symbol of patriotism. That image has been wounded and ridiculed in the film. While legal action is an option, a moral response is perhaps more significant,”
Vashi remarked in 2007.
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Legal Battle Reignites in 2013
Although the issue seemed resolved in 2007, the controversy resurfaced in 2013 when Om Shanti Om was re-released in Japan, and the same objectionable scene was still intact. This time, Manoj Kumar sought legal intervention, filing a defamation lawsuit against Shah Rukh Khan and Eros International.
The actor demanded Rs 100 crore in damages, citing a breach of commitment since he had previously been assured that the scene would be permanently removed from all versions of the film.
Manoj Kumar’s lawyer expressed frustration, stating,
“Shah Rukh Khan had promised Manoj Kumar earlier but repeated the same mistake in Japan. No personal apology was issued this time, and SRK showed no inclination towards an amicable settlement.”
Feeling betrayed, Kumar also addressed the media, saying,
“The film was released in Japan without deleting those scenes. I had forgiven them twice, but not this time. They have disrespected me. Furthermore, they are in contempt of court, as the 2008 ruling had mandated the deletion of the scene from all prints and broadcasts.”
Final Withdrawal of the Case
Despite the prolonged legal battle, Manoj Kumar eventually withdrew the case, citing disillusionment with the judicial process and its failure to instill a sense of responsibility in the filmmakers. He felt that while legal action could have been pursued further, the ethical breach could not be undone.
Manoj Kumar’s Legacy and Passing
Manoj Kumar, celebrated for his roles in patriotic films like Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, passed away at the age of 87 in Mumbai. The veteran actor was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital, where he succumbed to heart-related complications at 3:30 AM on Friday.
According to the medical certificate issued by the hospital, the secondary cause of his death was decompensated liver cirrhosis.
His passing marked the end of an era, as Kumar had been a towering figure in Indian cinema, known for his unwavering patriotism and cinematic contributions.
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