Biplab Goswami, the writer behind the acclaimed Hindi film Laapataa Ladies, has recently addressed allegations of plagiarism that have surfaced online. These claims suggest striking similarities between his work and the 2019 Arabic short film Burqa City, directed by Fabrice Bracq. Goswami has firmly denied these accusations, emphasizing the originality of his script and the extensive effort invested in its development.
IMDB : Laapataa Ladies
Origins and Development of ‘Laapataa Ladies’
Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, unfolds in the fictional state of Nirmal Pradesh in 2001. The narrative centers on two veiled brides who are accidentally swapped during a train journey, leading to a series of events that explore themes of identity, gender roles, and societal norms. The film is based on an award-winning story by Biplab Goswami and was produced under the banners of Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures, and Jio Studios. It features performances by Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastav, Ravi Kishan, Chhaya Kadam, and Geeta Aggarwal Sharma.
Goswami has detailed the timeline of his script’s development to counter the plagiarism claims. He registered the initial concept of Laapataa Ladies with the Screenwriters Association (SWA) in 2014, well before the release of Burqa City. By 2018, he had expanded the concept into a feature-length script titled Two Brides, which won an award at the Cinestaan Storytellers Competition that same year. This chronology underscores that the foundational elements of Laapataa Ladies predate the creation of Burqa City.
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Addressing the Allegations
The controversy emerged when social media users highlighted resemblances between Laapataa Ladies and Burqa City. In Burqa City, a newlywed man frantically searches for his wife after she is mistakenly swapped with another woman wearing a similar burqa. The film critiques patriarchal societies, gender-based restrictions, and the erasure of women’s identities—themes that are also central to Laapataa Ladies. This led to discussions suggesting that Laapataa Ladies might have been heavily inspired by the Arabic short film.
In response, Goswami emphasized that the concept of veils and disguises leading to mistaken identities is a longstanding narrative device. He cited literary figures like William Shakespeare and Rabindranath Tagore, who have employed similar tropes in their works. Goswami stated, “Laapataa Ladies uses this mistaken identity form with entirely original and unique characters, setting, narrative journey, and social impact.”
He further highlighted that the story, dialogues, and characters were the result of years of research and a deep understanding of gender discrimination and inequality. Goswami concluded his statement by asserting, “Our story, characters, and dialogues are 100% original. Any allegations of plagiarism are completely untrue. These allegations not only undermine my efforts as a writer but also the tireless efforts of the entire filmmaking team.”
Industry and Audience Reactions
The plagiarism claims have sparked varied reactions within the film industry and among audiences. Supporters of Laapataa Ladies commend its unique portrayal of women’s issues in rural India and argue that thematic similarities do not equate to plagiarism. Critics, however, believe that the parallels between the two films warrant a more in-depth examination.
Despite the controversy, Laapataa Ladies has garnered significant acclaim. The film was India’s official entry for the foreign language category at the Academy Awards and received multiple accolades at the International Indian Film Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Direction.
The debate over the originality of Laapataa Ladies underscores the complexities of creative storytelling, where similar themes can emerge independently across different cultures and time periods. Goswami’s detailed defense highlights his commitment to originality and the extensive effort invested in crafting a narrative that resonates with audiences. As discussions continue, the film’s impact and recognition suggest that it has struck a chord, regardless of the controversy.
