Biplab Goswami Refutes SLMAS Plagiarism Claims, Defends Originality of Laapataa Ladies

Biplab Goswami Refutes SLMAS Plagiarism Claims, Defends Originality of Laapataa Ladies

Laapataa Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao and chosen as India’s official Oscar entry for 2025, has recently faced criticism following online comparisons to the 2019 Arabic short film Burqa City.

Observers have noted that both films center on mistaken identity scenarios arising from traditional veiling, ghunghats in the Indian narrative and burqas in the Arabic one.

These similarities have led to plagiarism allegations, with a growing number of users on social media questioning the film’s originality and its eligibility for international recognition.

Taking to social media, Biplab Goswami firmly responded to the plagiarism allegations, stating that the foundation of Laapataa Ladies is entirely original.

He noted that the idea had been evolving over several years, and to support this, he revealed that a synopsis titled Two Brides had been registered with the Screenwriters

Association as early as July 3, 2014, five years before Burqa City came out. Alongside official documentation, Goswami explained that the screenplay was deeply informed by research focused on gender dynamics and the realities of rural Indian communities.

Biplab Goswami pushed back against the plagiarism claims, explaining that stories involving hidden identities, especially those tied to veils, are not new and have appeared in the works of great storytellers like Shakespeare and Tagore.

He called the accusations baseless and disheartening, saying they not only dismiss his creative journey but also the tireless work of everyone who helped bring  Laapataa Ladies to life.

Goswami also pointed out that the film’s world, characters, and message are all rooted in original thought, shaped by its own cultural context and creative voice.

The controversy has stirred mixed reactions online. While some fans have rallied behind Goswami, praising the film’s heartfelt execution and cultural resonance, others remain skeptical, pointing to specific scenes—like a police station sequence—that echo moments in Burqa City. This isn’t the first time Laapataa Ladies has faced such claims; last year, filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan suggested its premise resembled his 1999 telefilm Ghunghat Ke Pat Khol. However, no official response from director Kiran Rao or producer Aamir Khan has been issued regarding the latest allegations.

Released in March 2024, Laapataa Ladies earned widespread acclaim for its blend of humor and poignant social critique, securing 10 awards at the IIFA 2025. Despite failing to make the Oscar shortlist, the film—produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures, and Jio Studios—continues to be celebrated for its performances by Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, and Sparsh Shrivastav.

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