Netflix Faces ₹25 Crore Legal Notice Over ‘Hera Pheri’ Baburao Character on Kapil Sharma Show
Netflix has been served a ₹25 crore legal notice by producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala for allegedly using the iconic Baburao Ganpatrao Apte character from the Hera Pheri franchise on The Great Indian Kapil Show. The notice comes just ahead of the show’s highly anticipated finale featuring Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, putting the program in the spotlight for legal controversy.
According to reports by News18, Nadiadwala’s team claims that Netflix and the show’s producers used the Baburao character without authorization, seeking ₹25 crore in damages.
“Baburao is not just a character, but the soul of Hera Pheri,” said Nadiadwala in an official statement. “This legacy was built with our sweat, vision, and creativity. Paresh Rawal ji nurtured the role with his heart and soul. No one has the right to misuse it for commercial gain. Culture is not for exploitation; it is for preservation.”
The legal notice alleges copyright infringement under Section 51 of the Copyright Act, 1957, and trademark infringement under Section 29 of the Trademarks Act. Nadiadwala’s team maintains that Baburao is a registered trademark owned by the Nadiadwala family. Additionally, the complaint cites violations under Section 14 of the Copyright Act, which safeguards the exclusive rights to publicly communicate a work and its use in films.
The controversy arose from a promo of the upcoming episode, where Akshay Kumar interacts with the cast of The Great Indian Kapil Show. The segment features Kiku Sharda dressed as Baburao, a role originally portrayed by Paresh Rawal in the two Hera Pheri films, which also starred Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty.
With the legal notice now in play, the fate of the episode and potential implications for Netflix and the show’s producers remain under scrutiny.
Nadiadwala’s legal team has demanded the immediate removal of all segments featuring the Baburao character from Netflix, social media platforms, and any third-party channels. They have also requested a written assurance that the character will not be used in the future without proper authorization, along with a formal apology within 24 hours.
The producer is seeking ₹25 crore in damages and compensation, to be paid within two days of receiving the notice. The legal notice further warns that failure to comply will lead to civil and criminal proceedings.
Advocate Sana Raees Khan, representing Nadiadwala, stated,
“The unauthorised use of my client’s iconic character is not merely an infringement—it is outright theft for commercial gain. These rights have been lawfully earned and are zealously protected. We will now defend them with the full force of the law. No one has the liberty to treat a creative legacy as a free-for-all.”
The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 3 Finale Amid Legal Controversy
As The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 3 nears its finale, the ongoing legal dispute has overshadowed what was expected to be a festive conclusion. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is scheduled to appear as the final guest on 20 September, but the controversy surrounding the Baburao character has added an unexpected twist to the episode.
Netflix Legal Notice Over Baburao Character
Q1: Why has Netflix been served a legal notice by Firoz Nadiadwala?
A: Netflix is accused of using the Baburao character from Hera Pheri on The Great Indian Kapil Show without authorization.
Q2: How much is Firoz Nadiadwala claiming in damages?
A: The producer is seeking ₹25 crore in damages and compensation.
Q3: Who is Baburao Ganpatrao Apte?
A: Baburao is an iconic character from the Hera Pheri film franchise, originally portrayed by Paresh Rawal.
Q4: What is the legal basis of the notice?
A: The notice cites copyright infringement (Section 51, Copyright Act, 1957) and trademark infringement (Section 29, Trademarks Act).
Q5: Is Baburao a registered trademark?
A: Yes, the character Baburao is a registered trademark owned by the Nadiadwala family.
Q6: Which show featured the allegedly unauthorized use of Baburao?
A: The character appeared in The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix.
Q7: Who appeared in the episode promo that sparked the controversy?
A: Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar appeared interacting with the cast, including Kiku Sharda dressed as Baburao.
Q8: What are the demands in the legal notice?
A: Immediate removal of all Baburao segments from Netflix, social media, and third-party channels, a written assurance against future use, and a formal apology within 24 hours.
Q9: What will happen if Netflix or the show fails to comply?
A: Failure to comply may result in civil and criminal legal proceedings.
Q10: Who is representing Firoz Nadiadwala in this case?
A: Advocate Sana Raees Khan is representing Nadiadwala.
Q11: What did Nadiadwala say about the Baburao character?
A: He stated, “Baburao is not just a character, but the soul of Hera Pheri. Culture is not for exploitation; it is for preservation.”
Q12: Does this legal notice impact the show’s finale?
A: The controversy has cast a shadow over the finale, which is scheduled for 20 September featuring Akshay Kumar.
Q13: Can Netflix appeal or negotiate the legal notice?
A: Yes, Netflix can respond legally, seek a settlement, or contest the claims in court.
Q14: What sections of the Copyright Act are being invoked?
A: Sections 14 and 51 of the Copyright Act, 1957, protecting exclusive rights and penalties for infringement.
Q15: Has the Baburao character been used commercially before?
A: Yes, the character has appeared in the Hera Pheri films and related promotional content, all authorized by Nadiadwala Productions.
Q16: Could this affect other shows or promos using film characters?
A: Yes, it may set a precedent for stricter copyright enforcement in Indian television and OTT content.
Q17: What is the role of Kiku Sharda in the controversy?
A: He dressed as Baburao for the promo segment, which is claimed to be unauthorized.
Q18: Has Paresh Rawal commented on this issue?
A: No official statement from Paresh Rawal has been reported yet.
Q19: Are third-party platforms affected by the notice?
A: Yes, all social media and third-party streaming channels featuring the content are asked to remove it immediately.
Q20: What is the significance of the ₹25 crore claim?
A: The amount covers damages, compensation, and protection of intellectual property rights, signaling the seriousness of copyright and trademark violations.
Add Business Connect magazine to your Google News feed
Must Read:-
- Nisha Madhulika India’s richest female YouTuber!
- Larry Ellison of Oracle Suddenly Overtakes Elon Musk as the Richest Person in the World
- Top 10 Richest Comedians In India
- Top 10 Richest Pakistani Actress in 2025 – Who Is Your Favorite?
- Top 10 Richest Pakistani Male Actors in 2025 – Who Is Your Favorite?
- Top 10 Richest Korean Actresses in 2025: Net Worth, Career, and Luxury Endorsements
- Top 10 Richest South Korean Actors in 2025: Net Worth and Career Breakdown
- Top 5 richest families in Bollywood
- Top 10 Richest owners of sports teams worldwide
- Top 10 richest chefs in the world and their net worth
- Top 10 Richest People in the World Living with Disabilities
