Screenwriter Biplab Goswami Defends Laapataa Ladies
Biplab Goswami, the writer of the acclaimed Bollywood film Laapataa Ladies, has strongly rejected recent plagiarism allegations that threaten the film’s reputation. The controversy arose after social media users noted similarities between Laapataa Ladies and the 2019 Arabic short film Burqa City. In response, Goswami provided documented evidence of his script’s originality, asserting that the film’s concept was developed and registered long before the accusations surfaced.
Allegations of Plagiarism Surface
The film, directed by Kiran Rao and India’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars, has come under scrutiny due to claims that its plot mirrors that of Burqa City. Both narratives explore themes of mistaken identity linked to veiled attire—ghunghats in the Indian film and burqas in the Arabic short. This resemblance has led some critics to label Laapataa Ladies as unoriginal, raising doubts about its credibility as an Oscar contender. As the debate intensified, Goswami took to social media to address the allegations directly. He emphasized that the story, characters, and dialogues in Laapataa Ladies are entirely original. Goswami revealed that the screenplay was developed over several years, with a synopsis registered under the working title Two Brides back on July 3, 2014—well before Burqa City was released. To support his claims, he shared registration documents, highlighting that the narrative was rooted in extensive research on gender dynamics and rural Indian life.
Goswami’s Defense and Historical Context
In his detailed statement, Goswami argued that the theme of mistaken identities due to veils is a timeless storytelling device, utilized by renowned literary figures such as Shakespeare and Tagore. He firmly stated, “The allegations of plagiarism are baseless,” asserting that they not only undermine his work but also the collective efforts of the entire team behind the film. Goswami pointed out that the unique characters, setting, and social commentary in Laapataa Ladies distinguish it from any alleged inspirations. The controversy has sparked mixed reactions online. While many fans have rallied in support of Goswami, praising the film’s heartfelt execution and cultural relevance, others remain skeptical. Some critics have pointed to specific scenes, such as a police station sequence, that they believe echo moments from Burqa City. This is not the first time Laapataa Ladies has faced such claims; last year, filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan suggested that its premise resembled his 1999 telefilm Ghunghat Ke Pat Khol. However, there has been no official response from director Kiran Rao or producer Aamir Khan regarding the latest allegations.
Film’s Reception and Future Prospects
Released in March 2024, Laapataa Ladies received widespread acclaim for its blend of humor and poignant social critique, securing ten awards at the IIFA 2025. Despite not making the Oscar shortlist, the film continues to be celebrated for its performances by Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav. The film was produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures, and Jio Studios, and it remains a significant entry in contemporary Bollywood cinema.
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