Vashu Bhagnani says his feud with Ramesh Taurani began long before the Biwi No. 1 songs controversy

The ongoing dispute between producers Vashu Bhagnani and Ramesh Taurani has taken a deeper turn, with Bhagnani claiming that their differences extend far beyond the recent controversy surrounding the alleged unauthorised use of the song Chunari Chunari in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai.

Speaking during a virtual press interaction, Bhagnani alleged that the roots of the fallout go back several years. According to him, after the commercial failure of the Coolie No. 1 remake starring Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali Khan, he had discussed the idea of making a sequel to Biwi No. 1 with filmmaker David Dhawan and his son Rohit Dhawan.

Bhagnani claimed that both were initially receptive to the proposal. However, he later learned that David Dhawan had started working on a comedy project with Ramesh Taurani. While he said he was disappointed by the development, he did not view it as a major issue at the time.

The producer further alleged that he was surprised when he later discovered that Chunari Chunari had also been recreated for the film. According to Bhagnani, the project eventually evolved into Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, leaving him with the feeling that both his concept and creative team had moved elsewhere.

Bhagnani also revisited an incident from the success of the original Coolie No. 1 in 1995. He said that after the film became a major hit, he wanted to gift cars to actor Govinda and director David Dhawan as a gesture of appreciation.

“I believed success should be shared with the people who create it. When I suggested that we jointly gift cars to David Dhawan ji and Govinda ji, Ramesh ji did not wish to be part of it. I therefore proceeded on my own because I felt it was the right thing to do,” said Bhagnani.

Reflecting on his relationship with Taurani, he added, “There comes a time when silence is mistaken for acceptance. I am only sharing my side of the story and the facts as I experienced them. Some actions over the years felt like a betrayal of trust, and I believe it is important to put my perspective on record.”

Bhagnani maintained that recognition and rewards should be shared with everyone who contributes to a film’s success.