Firoz Nadiadwala sues, Netflix has received a ₹25 crore legal notice from producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala, who claims the iconic Baburao character from Hera Pheri was featured on The Great Indian Kapil Show without authorization.
The Great Indian Kapil Show, set to feature Akshay Kumar in its much-awaited finale, has been hit with a legal setback. Producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala has served Netflix and the show’s creators a ₹25 crore notice, accusing them of unlawfully using the legendary Baburao Ganpatrao Apte character from Hera Pheri, according to News18.
Nadiadwala’s team is demanding ₹25 crore in damages.
In an official statement, Nadiadwala said, “Baburao is not just a character, but the very soul of Hera Pheri. This legacy was created through our hard work, vision, and creativity, and Paresh Rawal ji brought it to life with his heart and soul. No one has the right to exploit it for commercial gain. Culture is meant to be preserved, not misused.”
The legal notice alleges that Netflix and the show’s makers have violated Section 51 of the Copyright Act, 1957, by committing copyright infringement, and Section 29 of the Trademarks Act, by infringing on a registered mark. Nadiadwala’s team asserts that Baburao is a registered trademark owned by the family. The complaint further cites breaches of Section 14 of the Copyright Act, which grants exclusive rights to communicate a work publicly and use it in films.
Babu Bhaiyya ko kya hua?
— Upala KBR ❤ (@upalakbr999) September 20, 2025
The Great Indian Kapil Show in legal soup over Kiku Sharda's Baburao skit; Feroz Nadiadwala sends Rs 25 cr notice.
Will this set a precedent for other iconic filmi characters like Babu Bhaiyya from #HeraPheri franchise? @SirPareshRawal @priyadarshandir… pic.twitter.com/j9JgrXNwJ5
A teaser for the upcoming episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show features Akshay Kumar with the cast, where Kiku Sharda appears dressed as Baburao from Hera Pheri. The beloved character, originally essayed by Paresh Rawal, became iconic through the two Hera Pheri movies that also featured Akshay and Suniel Shetty. Firoz Nadiadwala sues Netflix
Nadiadwala’s legal team has demanded the immediate removal of all related content from Netflix, social media, and third-party platforms. They have also requested a written assurance that the character will not be used in the future without permission, along with a formal apology within 24 hours. Firoz Nadiadwala sues Netflix.
Firoz Nadiadwala is seeking ₹25 crore in damages, to be paid within 48 hours of notice receipt, cautioning that failure to comply will trigger both civil and criminal proceedings. demands ₹25 crore.
Advocate Sana Raees Khan, representing Nadiadwala, stated, “The unauthorized use of my client’s iconic character isn’t mere infringement—it is outright theft for commercial gain. These rights have been legally earned and rigorously protected, and we will now defend them with full legal force. No one has the right to exploit a creative legacy.” Firoz Nadiadwala sues Netflix;.
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As the series heads toward its finale, a legal controversy has overshadowed what was meant to be a celebratory episode. Bollywood star Akshay Kumar is scheduled to appear as the final guest on 20 September.
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