Priyanka Tiwari
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In 2007, the blockbuster success of Om Shanti Om, directed by Farah Khan and starring Shah Rukh Khan, was clouded by an unexpected controversy involving veteran actor Manoj Kumar. What began as a seemingly minor spoof scene soon escalated into a public and legal dispute, centering around respect, legacy, and the ethics of parody in Bollywood.
The Scene That Sparked the Feud
The controversy stemmed from a particular sequence in the film where Shah Rukh’s character, Om Prakash Makhija, sneaks into a movie premiere using a fake pass — a moment portrayed using a dramatic face-palm gesture. The act was widely interpreted as a parody of Manoj Kumar’s iconic on-screen expression, made famous in films like Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti.
Manoj Kumar, revered for his patriotic cinema and distinctive style, felt personally targeted and publicly expressed his hurt, viewing the spoof as a mockery of his legacy.
Initial Apology and Scene Removal
Shah Rukh Khan immediately issued a public apology.
He admitted he was wrong and said: “If he is hurt, I apologise. I should have been more careful.”
The filmmakers initially complied with Manoj Kumar's request and removed the scene from domestic prints.
The Issue Resurfaces in 2013
The controversy reignited in 2013 when Om Shanti Om was re-released in Japan, and the previously cut scene was included again.
Manoj Kumar filed a defamation lawsuit against Shah Rukh Khan and Eros International.
He alleged a violation of a 2008 court order mandating the scene’s removal from all future prints.
Kumar claimed he had “forgiven them twice, but not this time.”
His lawyer demanded Rs 100 crore in damages, citing deep emotional and moral distress.
Final Settlement and Legal Withdrawal
Despite filing the lawsuit, Manoj Kumar later withdrew the case, expressing disappointment with the outcome and noting that the legal action did not elicit accountability from the film’s creators.
“They have disrespected me. The legal process hasn’t changed their mindset,” he said.
Legacy of Manoj Kumar and Closing Chapter
Manoj Kumar, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 87 due to heart complications, is remembered as one of Indian cinema’s most respected figures. While the Om Shanti Om controversy remains a notable incident in his later years, it does not overshadow his contributions to the film industry.
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