Sridevi slaps RGV with legal notice
HYDERABAD: Ram Gopal Varma, an avowed fan of veteran actress Sridevi, was in for a shock Friday. He received a legal notice from his icon, warning him to change the title of his upcoming film, which he had named after her, or face the music.
The 'cease and desist notice' was served on him, cautioning him not to infringe on the personality rights, intellectual property rights, constitutional rights and any other rights of Sridevi.
The notice, after giving a brief description of the actress, her popularity and her place in the film industry, goes on to explain the reason why the director is being slapped with it. 'Our client has further come to know that you have suddenly changed the title of your film from Savitri to Sridevi.
On learning about the change of title, our client's husband Boney Kapoor immediately tried to contact you to seek an explanation regarding the use of our client's name as a title of your film.
However, instead of providing an explanation, you simply sent a text on Whatsapp with contents of a press note released by you, which in no manner provided an explanation on the use of our client's name for your film,' the notice says.
Pointing out that Sridevi, who has a well-established career across the various film industries in the country, it alleges that RGV's film would only tamper her reputation.
'In this regard, it is pertinent to note that you have in the past on several occasions publicly expressed your fascination, love and obsession for our client. It is evident from your blog and the said media articles (enclosed with the notice) that you have publicly announced your attraction towards her and the public at large is aware about the same,' it points out.
Bringing attention to the story of his film that is based on a boy who falls in love with a woman older than him, the notice says it is only natural for the public at large to relate your film with Sridevi. 'It is therefore apparent that you have titled your film as Sridevi to encash on the goodwill and reputation of our client particularly in the South,' it opines.
The notice says Sridevi's right to privacy is recognised under Article 21 of the Constitution, which gives her the fundamental right to safeguard her privacy.
Apart from this, it also adds, 'Our client further states that the subject line of your film seems to be outraging the modesty of a woman. and our client reasonably apprehends that your film has scenes of immoral/obscene nature which would subject our client to defamation and grossly damage her reputation and goodwill built over years of hard work.' RGV was unavailable for comment.
News Posted: 11 October, 2014
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