Fana in more trouble:Script was sum1else'

Liliput cries foul

The veteran actor accuses Yashraj Films of lifting his story for Fanaa

Kunal M Shah

Veteran actor Liliput is extremely upset with Kunal Kohli and Yashraj Films as he believes that the story of their film Fanaa has been lifted from that of a film that he had registered way back in July 31, 1990, with the Film Writers' Association.

Voicing his anger Liliput says, "The characters of Kajol and Rishi Kapoor are exactly like the characters in my story. I don't know how the script reached Kunal Kohli. The fact remains that it is mine."

Liliput's film, titled Shahadat, had been launched in 1990 with Naseeruddin Shah in a character similar to that of Rishi Kapoor in Fanaa. However, it was shelved after a few days of shooting due to financial problems.

When contacted, Liliput said, "I had narrated my idea to theatre personality Sharad Joshi in 1988, who had asked me to develop it. I even started working on the project but the film got shelved. On my guru late Atmanandji's advice I then submitted the script to NFDC. Since then I have narrated my script to a lot of people. In fact, last year I met a producer who loved the subject. The film was all set to go on the floors in July when he called me and said, 'your film has already been made'. I went to see Fanaa and got the shock of my life."

Meanwhile, Kunal Kohli, director of Fanaa, seems unaware of Liliput's accusations. He says, "I think he should speak to my writer Shibani Bhatiza. All I can say is that Shibani came forward with the idea and we loved it. We don't copy others or steal scripts. I think a veteran actor like him should think twice before he accuses a reputed production house like Yashraj Films."

Shibani Bhatiza sounded indignant, when contacted. "I have never met Liliput and have never heard his story, from him or from anyone else. I don't know from where he has got the idea. Mine is an original script," she said.

"The fact is that, there is no truth in Liliput's story," adds Kohli "He could have easily called the producers to find out the truth. It could be a coincidence too. For instance, there's a Hollywood film called Before Sunset, the opening and ending of which is absolutely similar to my film Hum Tum, despite it releasing six months after Hum Tum. Should I have gone around levelling accusations at them?"

• I don't know how the script reached
Kunal Kohli. The fact remains that it is mine — Liliput

Thanks alot for sharing,

Man this movie has had sooo much controversies, and now this even after its 3 weeks release. But still the movie has done so well 😆 😆

totally man although i dont think he copies the idea i think it is just a coincidence that it did happen

when a film is in controversies then public is inclined to watch that movie
personally i believe that these controversies are just helping the movie 😆

it seems to be one thing after another connected to this fim, still its been a box office smash hit i doubt Kunal Kohli and co will lose any sleep over these claims.