An unexpected controversy has arisen in the Indian film industry as Pankaj Trivedi firmly denies allegations of copying Rajkumar Hirani‘s script. The debate centers around similarities between Trivedi’s unreleased Gujarati film, “Bapu Kyan Chhe?” and the initial script of Hirani’s “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” from 2006. This claim, reported by Bollywood Hungama, quickly captured the attention of the public.
Pankaj Trivedi, the writer, director, and an actor in “Bapu Kyan Chhe?”, reached out with his perspective. He insisted, “I have not been inspired by Rajkumar Hirani’s script. Nor have I copied it. In fact, I didn’t know about it until I read the article.” Trivedi elaborated on his creative journey, emphasizing his association with Neeraj Vora since “Tujhe Meri Kasam” in 2003 and their collaboration on projects like “Hera Pheri 3”. He detailed his past work, including a play he wrote during drama school, inspired by the cultural icon Mahatma Gandhi.
Interestingly, Trivedi’s film narrative builds on two seemingly disconnected ideas: a caretaker of a Gandhi statue and a popular gag by comedian Johny Lever. He asserts that his project has no ties to Hirani’s work. Throughout this controversy, many accused Trivedi of borrowing Hirani’s concept without context, but Trivedi sought to clarify his stand.
A pivotal character in this narrative is Bipinchandra Jagirdas Gandhi, nicknamed Bi Ja Gandhi, who was present when Gandhi was assassinated. Bi Ja Gandhi slips into a coma and wakes up decades later, unaware of Gandhi’s death, asking, “Where is Bapu?” This premise adds an intriguing emotional layer, exploring how modern society might exploit his knowledge for vested interests.
Trivedi sheds light on his film’s creation, highlighting reactions from reputed industry members. He recalls the first reaction from Neeraj Vora, who appreciated the film’s concept and identified its potential for mass appeal. CBFC approval further affirms the film’s quality. Trivedi’s commitment to Gujarati cinema is notable, candid about choosing to create a Gujarati film against Vora’s suggestion of a Hindi project.
In a separate exchange with Javed Akhtar, Aamir Khan mentioned past conversations with Rajkumar Hirani. Hirani considered casting Khan in a film after “Munna Bhai M.B.B.S” but later modified the script into “Lage Raho Munna Bhai”. This anecdote provides insight into Hirani’s creative process and the script’s evolution, adding context to the current controversy.
Despite the turmoil, Trivedi expresses optimism that the heightened attention might encourage producers to release “Bapu Kyan Chhe?” in cinemas. Reflecting on Neeraj Vora’s influence, he recounts the emotional weight he carried after Vora’s untimely death. The heartfelt tributes serve as a reminder of the personal struggles behind artistic endeavors.
The potential release of “Bapu Kyan Chhe?” represents a chance for audiences to evaluate the film firsthand. While the controversy swirls around script similarities, Pankaj Trivedi remains hopeful, seeing this as an opportunity to showcase the film’s unique narrative and his devotion to Gujarati cinema.
