Pain in Munni's neck to disappear

Zandu balm manufacturers may settle out of court with Dabanng makers, even use Munni Badnaam in jingle

After a controversy erupted over the use of the name Zandu Balm in Dabangg's item song Munni badnaam, Zandu Pharmaceuticals sent a legal notice to Arbaaz Khan Productions on September 17.



The pharma company is now considering an out of court settlement. Zandu Pharmaceuticals had taken objection to the line Main Zandu Balm hui/ darling tere liye, in the item number featuring Arbaaz Khan's wife Malaika Arora. They had asked the producers to withdraw the song or delete the product's name, failing which the firm had threatened civil and criminal action against the producers.

Aditya Vardhan Agarwal, director of the company that manufacturers the balm, said, "We have sent a notice. Let's see what happens." When Sunday Mid Day asked them if the company would drag Arbaaz Khan Productions to court, Agarwal pointed out, "It is not necessary. There could be an out of court settlement."

A company official, on condition of anonymity, said, "The issue is not as serious as it is being made out to be. They have sent a notice. The company is unlikely to take the matter to court. In fact, they are considering an out of court settlement, and then using the song to promote the product.

Mohan Goenka, another director of the company, said, "By using the brand name in the song, they have not only violated the copyright, but also made an attempt to defame our reputation." Goenka refused to comment on whether the company is in talks with a production house to use the song as a jingle. Khan told Sunday Mid Day, "Now that our film is a big success, such things are bound to happen. Everyone wants a share in the pie. My production team has not received any legal notice. Until it comes to me, how can I comment?"
(With inputs by Subhash K Jha)