Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Alia Bhatt & Writer of Film - "Gangubai Kathiawadi" summoned by Mazgaon Court

On Thursday, 25th March 2021, the Mazgoan court of Mumbai has summoned Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Alia Bhatt and the writer of the film on 21 May, on a plea by Babu Rawji Shah - who claims to be Gangubai’s adopted son and he believes the film tarnishes her image.

• Nearly every other film of Bhansali has created controversy with certain sections of the community, accused of hurting one or other sentiments.

Recently, Maharashtra Congress MLA Amin Patel demanded that the title of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming movie starring Alia Bhatt ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ be changed. The Congress MLA claimed that the title of the movie maligns the name of Kathiawad city.

Who was Gangubai?

The film is based on Gangubai, one of the most powerful, loved and respected madams from Kamathipura, Mumbai’s red-light area, during the 1960s. While speaking in the House, Patel, who represents the Mumbadevi constituency in south Mumbai, said the Kamathipura area has undergone changes since the 1950, it is not the same area.

• "Women living in Kamathipura have chosen different professions and careers in their life. The film’s title also maligns the name of Kathiawad city. The name of the film should be changed,” said the MLA, whose party is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

The film, which will release in theatres on July 30, has been adapted from one of the chapters of noted author Hussain Zaidi’s book ‘Mafia Queens of Mumbai’.