'Sholay infringes no copyright' 20th Oct 2006
11.21 IST
By Agencies
Ram Gopal Varma says he has no intention of infringing any copyright in his remake of the cult classic Sholay , which has mega superstar Amitabh Bachchan in the role of Gabbar Singh.
Varma was reacting to the notice issued by Delhi High Court with regard to alleged infringement of copyright.
"In the way I am making my film, I am not infringing any copyright nor do I intend to," Varma said in Mumbai on Thursday.
However, he refused to comment further saying his defence will be placed before the Delhi High Court in the course of arguments.
The suit in the Delhi High Court has been filed by Sippy Films Pvt Ltd and Sholay Media and Entertainment Pvt Ltd, owned by Sascha Sippy -- grandson of G.P. Sippy who produced the original ‘Sholay’ -- and Shan Uttam Singh.
They had sought stay on the release of Varma's film -- contending that use of the name ‘Sholay’ by any other entity amounts to infringement of trade mark and copyright.
They have also claimed copyright for the character of Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan , which became a legend. Incidentally, in Varma remake, Bachchan will play Gabbar Singh, the dacoit.
Sascha Sippy, director of the Sippy Films, claims late G P Sippy's son Ajit Sippy, who reportedly sold the copyrights to Varma, had no such rights himself which he could transfer to others.
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'Sholay infringes no copyright'
