From Salman To Ranveer, B’wood’s Legal Wars Intensify

The ‘Don 3’ fallout reaches court

FWICE ban challenged

The controversy over Ranveer Singh’s reported exit from Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3 has reached the courtroom. Following FWICE’s call for a non-cooperation directive against the actor, along with a demand that he pay Rs 47 crore in damages, veteran producer T.P. Aggarwal moved court challenging the authority of film industry bodies to impose such bans.

“The film industry thrives on collaboration, and it is important that matters of this nature are addressed through proper legal and professional channels. Any attempt to discourage people from working with an individual should not be taken lightly. Such actions can have far-reaching consequences for and creative freedom,” he said.

Salman Khan sends legal notice to black buck case filmmaker

Two days after a film on the black buck case was announced, the producer, Amit Jani, has received a notice from Khan warning of legal action if the film is made and released

Kaala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy, directed by Bharat S. Srineth, is said to explore the investigation into the infamous 1998 black buck poaching case against the actor, the courtroom drama, and the rivaly between Salman and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

The makers were all set to release the teaser-trailer on June 21. However, through his legal team, Salman Khan has objected to the alleged unauthorised use of his name, image and persona, claiming the film violates his personality rights and seeks to profit from his public identity. The actor has sought a stay on the film’s release and promotional activities.

David Dhawan’s unwanted legal headache

His dispute with Vashu Bhagnani remains unresolved

Producer Vashu Bhagnani has filed a Rs 400 crore lawsuit in the Bombay High Court against David Dhawan and Ramesh Taurani’s Tips Industries over the alleged unauthorised use of the 1999 chartbusters Chunari Chunari and Ishq Sona Hai from Biwi No. 1 in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai.

Pooja Entertainment alleges that the makers of the Varun Dhawan starrer do not possess the necessary rights to use the two songs. While Taurani has maintained that the matter has been resolved and David Dhawan has declined to comment, Bhagnani insists the dispute remains unresolved and has reportedly sought an additional 100 crore in damages for non-compliance.

Fight for personality rights

Salman Khan’s action is part of a growing trend among celebrities seeking legal protection over their identities in the digital age. On Tuesday, June 2, Varun Dhawan received relief from the Delhi High Court, which restrained the unauthorised use of his personality rights, noting that no third party has the right to commercially exploit his attributes without authorisation.

The actor, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, has also faced intense trolling and negative publicity on social media, with much of it turning deeply personal.

Delhi HC granted relief to actor Naga Chaitanya and ordered the takedown of pornographic, deepfake and AI-generated content that allegedly misuses his identity. Last week, the actor had approached the court seeking protection against online content.

Though his wife Sobhita Dhulipala recently said she remains unaffected by polarising views and opinions, sources close to the couple say the constant scrutiny does take its toll. Other actors who have sought protection of their personality rights include Allu Arjun, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Arjun Kapoor.

Why personality rights matter

“The growing focus on personality rights in the film industry reflects the increasing challenges posed by the unauthorised use of celebrities’ names, images, voices, likenesses and other identifiable attributes, particularly in the age of AI and digital content creation. Deepfakes, fabricated endorsements, morphed content and misattributed statements can not only mislead the public but also cause significant reputational and commercial harm.