About a year back, Anupam Kher opted out of playing the Nazi dictator in the forthcoming film Gandhi To Hitler. But the film's producer, Dr Anil Kumar Sharma, is still in no mood to let bygones be bygones.
He's suing the actor to the tune of Rs 2.5 crore for breach of contract before the movie opens in cinemas next week.
Reportedly, Anupam opted out saying his fans had urged him to not play the hated dictator in the film, then titled Dear Friend Hitler.
Nalin Singh, who's co-producing the film, confirms the news. "I paid Anupam R 4 lakh and he signed the contract too.
After the production work had started (dates were blocked and costumes were designed), he announced at a press conference abroad that he wasn't doing the film.
It seems his fans urged him not to do the film. Surprisingly, he didn't bother to inform us." Taken aback by the turn of events, Singh tried reasoning with Anupam to re-think his decision.
"First he said he was busy, then after I signed on Raghuvir Yadav for the part, Anupam accused me of using the controversy for the film's publicity, " he says.
Singh says he's shocked by Kher's unprofessional behaviour. "We know him as a teacher and someone who has strongly stood by Anna Hazare's dharna for the Lokpal Bill against corruption, " he adds.
Singh maintains that after his last request to Kher to return the money didn't meet with success, he had no other option than to drag the actor to court. "I'm not into lobbying for big actors.
But since I am not getting my money despite many requests, suing is the only option left, " says Nalin.
Using name
On his part, Kher says that the producers have been using his name for publicity right from the start. "Before leaving the film, I told them that I couldn't be a part of it for whatever reasons.
It's normal in the industry for an actor to be replaced or opt out and adjust with the producers for the next movie.
But when I went to Toronto, I read that the producers had said that I didn't fit the role so I was not doing it any more, " he recalls, maintaining that even though he was not in the movie, the producers continued to use his name for publicity.
Talk about the film
Kher says he's amused that the makers are not talking about the project. "Instead of talking about their film, they're still going on about Anupam Kher not paying back, " he elaborates, adding that they publicly tore his poster at a press meet in Chandigarh on Tuesday.
He further states that it was only three months back that his manager informed him that the producers were using is brand name and they should sue them for damages. "I may not be Shah Rukh Khan, but I have a name which is important.
So I've to safeguard my interests too, " says the actor, wondering why the money part has come up now in the last 10 days before release.
