Kamal Amrohi's son Tajdar threatens action on Meena Kumari's web series, writer Ashwini Bhatnagar says 'nobody can claim property rights over public figure's life'

By Tanmayi Savadi

on August 24, 2020

A few days ago, Almighty Motion Picture announced that they have acquired the rights of author Ashwini Bhatnagar's book 'Mahjabeen As Meena Kumari'. Based on the life of Tragedy Queen Meena Kumari, the production house is all set to adapt the book into a web series. Soon after the announcement was made, late filmmaker Kamal Amrohi’s younger son Tajdar Amrohi has threatened legal action against Ashwini and producer Prabhleen Kaur for decided to greenlight a web series on his step-mother's life without his consent. Tajdar claimed the makers will highlight Kamal as a 'tormentor' of Meena Kumari.

In response to this, Ashwini, during an interview with an entertainment portal, said the book doesn't project Kamal as a tormentor and said the assumption is incorrect. "The basic thing is that my book doesn’t project Mr. Kamal Amrohi as a tormentor. So, this assumption is absolutely wrong. He should read the book," Ashwini told.

We, @AlmightyMotion Picture, are elated to acquire the rights of this wonderful book 'Mahjabeen As Meena Kumari' by Ashwini Bhatnagar. Soon to be a major web series. #MeenaKumari #ashwinibhatnagar #webseries #AlmightyMotionPicture pic.twitter.com/ISLx9EvcNe

— Prabhleen Kaur (@PrabhleenSandhu) August 20, 2020

Ashwini further added that nobody can claim property rights over the life of a public personality. He then said his book is factually correct and sheds light on Meena Kumar's professional life in which Kamal played an important role. "Nobody can claim property rights over the life of a public figure. Just because you are someone’s son, you don’t do this. It is not any legacy, heritage, property. These are people in public space. As a writer, I have full discretion to write about them as long it is not a lie or untrue. My book is factually correct. It is a neutral view of Meena Kumari’s professional life in which Kamal Amrohi plays an important role as a director as well as her husband," he said.

Tajdar, in an interview with the same portal, stated that no historical facts about his parents can be used and if done so, it will lead to legal action. He also revealed that he is in talks with a top production house for a film on their life. "No historical facts about my parents can be used and any inaccuracy will attract legal action. As the living heir of the family, I have already entrusted the rights of the real story of Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari to a reputed production house and a personal friend of mine. For the first time, audience will be witnessing a heart wrenching love story with trials and tribulations of the real characters of Indian cinema of that era. It will be mounted on a lavish scale depicting the golden era of Indian cinema. The thorough research by me and people from that era is complete. You shall soon hear about the cast and credits," he added.

For the unversed, Meena Kumari married screenwriter-filmmaker Kamal in 1952. However, they decided to part ways in 1964. They collaborated for the epic Pakeezah in 1972. Three weeks after the release, Meena Kumari passed away at the age of 38 on March 31 due to liver cirrhosis.

(Source: Beyond Bollywood)