Apoorva Rao (DNA; April 18, 2015)

The biopic on yesteryear actress Meena Kumari starring Kangana Ranaut is definitely happening, confirmed Tigmanshu Dhulia. He has told us that he’s not suspending the work on the biopic yet. Controversy over the movie erupted recently after Tajdar Amrohi, Meena Kumari’s stepson, objected to Dhulia’s plans, claiming they have not taken the permission from the actress’ family.

The director clarifies that there is no room for any objection. “We have the rights to the book by Vinod Mehta. The book has been in the public domain for over 20-25 years. If we are basing our entire film on the book, nobody should have an objection to that,” the National Award-winning director said.

The director also plans to discuss the film with the yesteryear actress’ family before going on floors. “We will approach Amrohi as he is her family and for our research and to get some details. We will not make the film without his blessings,” said Dhulia.

But the rights to the film was not the only contentious point as Amrohi also objected to casting Kangana Ranaut as his stepmom. He had said that the Queen actress is “anything but Meena Kumari and does not suit the role”. To add to the conflict, Amrohi himself is making a film on Meena Kumari’s life and has said that the shooting for the film, titled Meenabakamaal has already begun.