‘Gulabo Sitabo’ dragged into plagiarism row ahead of release

Just days ahead of its digital premiere, ‘Gulabo Sitabo’ starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana, has landed into controversy after being accused of plagiarism by Akira Agarwal.

SpotBoye reports that the screenwriter of the film, Juhi Chaturvedi, has been dragged into the allegations by late screenwriter Rajeev Agarwal’s son, Akira.

It is reported that Akira had submitted his story in a contest known as ‘Cinestaan India’s Storyteller Script Contest’ promoted by The Screenwriters Association (SWA), a Trade Union of screenwriters and lyricists who work for Films, TV and Digital Media in India.

Reacting to the news, Chaturvedi 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 and lead actor 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.”

She added, “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 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.”