Bollywood / Lawyer of acid attack survivor Laxmi sues Chhapaak makers, says she got no credit

A Delhi court on Thursday directed the makers of Chhapaak to give due credits to advocate Aparna Bhatt for her contribution in the making of the film. Additional Senior Civil Judge Dr Pankaj Sharma directed director Meghna Gulzar and the makers of the film to mention the advocate's name in the credit roll.

"This court is of the considered view that facts are indicative that the pique of the plaintiff for interim injunction is well founded and it is necessary that her contribution be acknowledged by providing the actual footage and the images."

The court also asked the makers to include the line "Aparna Bhat continues to fight the cases of sexual and physical violence against women" in the film, starring Deepika Padukone. "The said line on screen may be with a rider that the same is with the court order," the judge said.

Bhatt, who represented acid attack victim Laxmi Agarwal in court,had threatened to take legal action against the makers of the film.

Chhapaak is based on Laxmi's life, and Deepika plays a character based on Laxmi in the film. Bhat's contention is the filmmakers have not given due acknowledgement to her in the film's credits. The advocate, who played a pivotal role in real life to ensure justice was served to Laxmi in the case fought at Patiala House Courts, took to Facebook and wrote a few posts to vent her ire, and also announce that she would be taking the makers of Chhapaak to court.

Bhat wrote in her Facebook post: "Have never been the one to demand attention to my work. Deeply disturbed by the turn of events post watching Chhapaak. Compelled to take legal action to protect my identity and preserve my integrity. I represented Lakshmi in her criminal trial in Patiala House Courts... tomorrow someone will represent me in my cause...Ironies of life."

No sooner did she put up a post, there were many people coming out in her support. Overwhelmed by the fact, she wrote another post: "I thank all my friends who endorsed my contribution and challenged team Chhapaak in failing to say even "Thank you!!a. I cannot match the powers of these mighty producers of Bollywood but keeping quiet will further endorse injustice. I have decided to take my cause to the next level. Ready to face the consequences."

This is the second controversy that has erupted about Chhapaak within the span of a single day. Earlier on Wednesday, a social media and Whatsapp was flooded with the rumour that the name of the real-life acid attacker was changed from Basheer to Rajesh in the film, in order to protect the culprit's religious identity. However, pre-release screenings on Wednesday revealed the name of Nadeem has been changed to Basheer.

Wednesday's controversies over Chhapaak followed Deepika's visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday night. She was at JNU as a mark of solidarity with the students who were victims of a violent attack by unidentified masked men on Sunday night.

Deepika's JNU visit was construed by many as a publicity stunt, and clamour to boycott her new film has been trending online, although a large section of social media has also hailed her gesture.