Even as Akshay Kumar and his wife, Twinkle Khanna, along with the auction house, Salt Scout, have been served legal notices for putting the Naval costume from the film, Rustom, up for auction, the Bollywood couple are already readying themselves for legal recourse. Apparently, the couple were going to direct funds received from the auction to an NGO working towards animal rescue and welfare. In the film, Akshay played the role of Naval officer Rustom Pavri, a story inspired by the Nanavati murder case.
It can be recalled that a defence officer had threatened Twinkle Khanna with a ‘bloody nose’ for daring to put up a Naval uniform on auction, and Twinkle had responded that she would take legal action against such violent threats.
On Wednesday, 11 serving defence officers and eight others including the wife of a Naval officer and seven retired officers sent a legal notice to the Bollywood couple stating, “Uniforms resembling those of the armed forces pose a potential threat to National security as the said uniform, insignia and badges could pass for genuine service clothing and can find their way to anti-national elements who can use it to foment trouble.” The defence minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, too has been sent a copy of the notice.
Akshay has donned the defence forces’ uniform earlier in films like Sainik, Baby, Andaaz, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyon and Holiday.
This time, however, there is no response from Kumar’s as they remain tight-lipped on the controversy and haven’t responded to any of our queries yet. Meanwhile the bid, which will end on May 26, currently stands at Rs 2,35,000.
Sawpna Kode, Lawyer
They have not violated any Act because it is not an actual officer’s dress. It is a costume that is available in any fancy dress shop. It doesn’t look like a crime. The actor will be inviting people to buy the dress and it will go to someone with a clear background, not a terrorist. As far as legal implications are concerned, we need to see if any Acts are violated, only then can a punishment be decided. Museums across the world have various costumes on display and they are auctioned as well, so there is nothing offensive to the Nation.
Farhana Shah, Lawyer
Once the costume is sold, there are chances that it can be misused. I think the duo have to maintain some decorum. This is a matter of concern and really requires attention.
Abha Singh, Lawyer
This is a cheap publicity stunt by them. Aren’t they wealthy enough to do charity on their own? They made money out of the movie and now they are putting the dress on auction. Uniform has sentiments attached to it. If a soldier dies, the uniform is brought back to the family. This stunt plays with the emotions of the officers and their wives. The families are hurt because the soldiers give away their life for the Nation, and it is more to do with their emotions than any legal implication. There is nothing to be done with any Act or national honour being violated.
—Sanskriti Media
