Mumbai, 4 April 2025: Bollywood’s ‘King Khan’ Shahrukh Khan may have a high status in the industry, but there came a time when he had to bow down to veteran actor Manoj Kumar. It was in 2007, when Farah Khan’s film ‘Om Shanti Om’ was released. A scene from this film hurt Manoj Kumar so much that he filed a case of Rs 100 crore against Shahrukh and the producers. After all, what was that scene that started a war between the stars of two generations, and why did Shahrukh have to apologize? This story is as interesting as any Bollywood blockbuster.
The scene that became the root of the controversy
‘Om Shanti Om’ was in the news for its songs, Shahrukh-Deepika’s pairing and grandeur. But one scene from the film was not liked by Manoj Kumar. In this, Shahrukh’s character enters the ‘Om’ premiere covering his face with his hands in Manoj Kumar’s famous style. Manoj, who made his own identity in Bollywood with just 35 films, considered it an insult. He called it a ‘satire’ against him and immediately contacted Farah Khan. Manoj clearly said that this scene should be removed from the film.

This was not easy for Farah and Shahrukh, but it was also not possible to ignore the words of a respected actor like Manoj. The result? That scene of the film was cut in India. Seeing Manoj’s anger, Shahrukh himself picked up the phone and apologized. In a press conference, Shahrukh said, “I made a mistake. If Manoj sir felt bad, then I apologize. Parody is a common thing, but I should have talked to him first.” It seemed that the matter was settled here, but this story was not over yet.
Japan release again provoked anger

In 2013, ‘Om Shanti Om’ was released in Japan. This time that controversial scene was intact in the film. The scene that was cut in India was not removed in Japan, and this reached Manoj Kumar. This time his patience gave way. He considered it an attack on his image again and chose the legal route. Manoj filed a defamation suit of Rs 100 crore against Shahrukh and the production company Eros International. His lawyer said, “Shahrukh had apologized in 2007, but repeated the same mistake. This is unacceptable. Now the time for talks is over.”

Sanjay Mehta, a film historian from Mumbai, says, “Manoj Kumar was known for his dignity and principles. For him, this scene was not just a joke, but a tampering with his identity.” After the suit was filed, there was a stir in Bollywood. There was no formal response from Shahrukh and Farah, due to which the matter kept getting more heated.

From apology to court

Shahrukh’s apology in 2007 calmed Manoj a little. In an interview, Manoj had said, “Shahrukh said on the phone, ‘Father, I was wrong.’ I accepted his apology.” But the Japan release broke his trust. The 100 crore lawsuit made headlines at a time when such legal battles were rarely seen in Bollywood. However, after a long hearing, Manoj withdrew the case. The reason behind this is not clear, but it is believed that he did not want to drag the dispute further.

Lesson in Bollywood

This incident started a new debate in the industry. Is it justified to hurt someone’s feelings under the guise of parody? Film critic Rita Sharma says, “Shahrukh and Farah may have taken it lightly, but for a legend like Manoj, it was a question of respect. This incident shows that a balance is necessary between creativity and sensitivity.” For Shahrukh, it was a lesson that even his kingship cannot save him every time.

Today’s echo

Today, when this incident is remembered, it seems to be the story of a clash between two eras of Bollywood. Shah Rukh, who was at the peak of his career then, and Manoj, who gave the message of patriotism in films like Purab Aur Paschim, came face to face because of a scene. Ajay Thakur, a fan from Mumbai, says, “Shah Rukh is my hero, but Manoj sir was right. He showed a big heart by apologising.”

The Om Shanti Om controversy is now a part of history, but it leaves the question whether the apology was enough, or the Rs 100 crore claim was a necessary warning? Perhaps this is the human story behind the glitz of Bollywood, where honour and wrongs go hand in hand.