In a recent controversy that has stirred the entertainment industry, veteran Pakistani actor Tauqeer Nasir has claimed that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan copied his role in the film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. Nasir asserted that not only was the character copied, but even the limp Shah Rukh's character exhibited was directly taken from his performance in a Pakistani drama.
Tauqeer Nasir made these revelations during an interview on the YouTube channel Zabardast With Wasi Shah. He alleged that Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of Dev Saran in Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna released in 2006, bore a striking resemblance to his character in the Pakistani drama serial Parvaaz. Nasir expressed his disappointment that neither Shah Rukh Khan nor Karan Johar acknowledged this similarity, which he believes should have been credited.
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Nasir elaborated on the specifics of the alleged copying, stating that the character's complexities, including the limp in his leg, were replicated in Shah Rukh's performance. "Ek film Shah Rukh [Khan] ne meri ki hein... woh *Parvaaz* drama ka sara character usne as it is kiya. Which I appreciate but usko credit bhi dena chahiye tha... Karan Johar ko toh dena chahiye tha basically," he said. (Translation: "There's one film which Shah Rukh did, which was a direct copy of my character in the drama *Parvaaz*. They should have given credit, especially Karan Johar.")
He went on to add, "Usme bakayda langda hein aur wohi right leg at the same way... complex thi role. A complex young boy who was having two options. One jo usko pasand hein aur dusra jo isko pasand karta hein. Na usko convey kar saka na isko mana kar saka. *Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna* usko thoda filmy way mein dikhaya... lekin woh saari feel wahi hein. Unka banta hai that they should acknowledge." (Translation: "He also had a limp on his feet just like mine. The role was complex where he had to choose between two extremes. One where he likes someone and the other where he is liked. Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna glamorized the same concept but the point is the same. They should have acknowledged that.")
The accusations by Tauqeer Nasir have sparked various reactions within the industry. Some insiders believe that such similarities can be coincidental, especially given the global nature of content and storytelling. However, others argue that due credit should always be given if a character or storyline is inspired by another work, regardless of the origin.
Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna was known for its bold take on extramarital affairs, which generated significant buzz and mixed reactions upon its release. The film featured an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta, and Kirron Kher, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji.
The public response to Nasir's claims has been mixed. While some fans support Nasir's call for acknowledgment, others argue that adaptations and inspirations are common in the film industry. They point out that many stories traverse borders and cultures, leading to natural overlaps in character development and plotlines.
This incident highlights the ongoing conversation about cultural exchange and intellectual property in the entertainment industry. It raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers when drawing inspiration from existing works, particularly from different cultural contexts.
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