Madhubala's sister serves legal notice to Sony over biopic delay
What's the story
Madhur Brij Bhushan, the youngest sister of late Bollywood icon Madhubala, has issued a legal notice to Sony Pictures over delays in the making of a biopic on her sister.
The film was announced almost two years ago but there has been no movement since.
"It's been close to two years [since we signed the agreement] and I am still anxiously waiting for some progress or update," Bhushan told Bollywood Hungama on Tuesday.
Frustration
'It's embarrassing...but I have no answer'
Bhushan vented her frustration over not hearing from Sony Pictures.
"It's embarrassing for me to say but I have no answer [about the status of the film] because I myself have been waiting to hear from Sony Pictures for the past several months. They have only given us extremely vague responses to date."
"That wait is becoming endless with a frustrating delay from the studio's side," she added.
Legacy
Bhushan's plans to honor Madhubala's legacy delayed
Bhushan had planned special tributes to honor Madhubala's legacy on her 92nd birth anniversary on February 14, but these have been postponed due to the delay.
"I wanted to do certain things in my sister's memory - have her statue installed, do something for an old-age home and music school, etc. This is the least I can do for her."
"But this inordinate delay has thrown all the plans off track. It's very disheartening," she said.
Questions
'Are you even serious about the biopic?'
Bhushan also questioned Sony's commitment to the project.
She asked, "My simple question [to Sony] is: 'Do you want to make the film? Are you even serious about the biopic? What is your plan?' Please give some clarity. What wrong have I done to deserve this treatment?"
To note, the biopic was announced last year, with filmmaker Jasmeet K Reen—known for directing the acclaimed Alia Bhatt film Darlings—set to helm the project.
Warning
Bhushan warned against unauthorized content on Madhubala's life
Bhushan also warned against any unauthorized attempts to create content based on Madhubala's life.
"It's my humble appeal to everyone to stay away from any such stunt [making content on Madhubala's life]. We won't let anyone else attempt any such film. It's mine/my family's exclusive emotional right."
She further said she and her partners would take legal action if necessary to protect their family interests.