"I haven't seen Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar yet" - Rohit Shetty

By Subhash K. Jha, Bollywood Hungama News Network

If there are any similarities between Rohit Shetty's Golmaal Returns and the 1973 hit comedy Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar, then Shetty isn't aware of them. Nor has he received any notification, legal or otherwise, from the widow of the earlier film's producer who has made copyright-infringement claims.

"I haven't seen Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar yet. I've just come back from a holiday with my wife and son. I plan to see the film as soon as possible. I want to see what the similarities are."

Needless to say, Rohit was clueless about the likeness between the two films. "If I knew anything about the similarity I'd have happily paid up. The copyright compensation would've amounted to a few lakhs which for a film with a budget of multi-crores is nothing. And don't you think we'd have rather avoided trouble than get into a confrontational situation with anyone over the story? We earlier bought the rights of a Gujarati stage play to make the first part of Golmaal. And I went through all the legitimate channels to remake Sunday from a Telugu film."

As for Golmaal Returns, Rohit says it's not just his film that has echoes from the past. "Even Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar, I'm told is inspired by a couple of plays including a French play. It's my friend Paritosh Painter who pointed this out to me."

Now, Rohit Shetty is getting ready for the third part of Golmaal. He'd more or less like to make it with the same cast again. "I don't think I'll be allowed to make anything else right now. But first I need to see Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar."

• Interviews