"It is extortion" - Samir Karnik 
By Faridoon Shahryar, September 10, 2007 - 11:36 IST
“Film Writers Association is working hand in glove with Mr Nikhil Saini in extortion of money and harassment of someone at the time of the release,” said an angry Samir Karnik, director of soon-to-be-released Nanhe Jaisalmer. Karnik has been accused by long time associate of Boney Kapoor, Nikhil Saini, of stealing his story idea for the Bobby Deol starrer Nanhe Jaisalmer. Saini went to the Film Writers Association with his complaint and asked for a compensation of Rs 20 lakhs and due credit as the story writer of the film.
“The five member Film Writers Association Dispute Committee has given their verdict in my favour regarding Nanhe Jaisalmer. I’ve claimed for Rs 20 lakhs and the money aspect is still to be settled. I’ve also asked for the credit as a writer for the film. Let’s see how that happens considering the prints are already out,” Saini said. The committee is having a meeting today to decide upon the matter.
Samir Karnik who is yet to recover from a disaster called Kyun…Ho Gaya Na starring Vivek Oberoi, Aishwarya Rai and Amitabh Bachchan has a different story to tell. “The Film Writers Association has made a statement that Nikhil has written the script whereas it is completely false. It is extortion. The film is ready for 1 ½ years then why did he go for a claim 10 days before the release of the film? The promos of the film went on air in April 2007. The film was supposed to release in May 2007 and then the release date was shifted. I was in Dar-e-Salaam when he supposedly made the narration of his script to me. I’m gonna fight for it. I’m not gonna give up. The only good thing this controversy has done is that it has generated publicity for my film,” Karnik said, trying to look for sunshine in the gloom of thunder.
The daggers have been drawn. It would be interesting to note as to who comes on top in this battle of the ‘write’ kind. Nanhe Jaisalmer, is the story of a boy in Jaisalmer and the real life character essayed by Bobby Deol who plays himself in the film. The film is supposed to release this Friday (September 14th). But, will it release this Friday? Now that’s a Rs 20 lakh worth question….
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Photo Feature: Bobby Deol goes to Jaisalmer
