‘बुर्का सिटी बनने से पहले रजिस्टर करवाई थी स्क्रिप्ट’, कहानी चोरी के आरोप पर ‘लापता लेडीज’ के राइटर ने दी सफाई

New Delhi. Biplab Goswami, an alumnus of Satyajit Ray film and television institute and script writer of ‘Missing Ladies’, is caught in controversies these days. He is accused that his script has been copied from the film Fabris Brack, the writer of the 2019 Arabic film ‘Burka City’. Now Biplab Goswami has spoken openly in this matter. He says that he can also accuse the film ‘Burka City’ of copying.

By the way, Biplab Goswami claims that he had registered the entire story of the film, whose title was ‘Two Brides’, registered it on 3 July 2014 in the Screenrs Association and it was long before it became ‘Burka City’. Now there has been a debate on what students of script writing should learn to avoid allegations of story theft.

I can accuse Burka City
In a conversation with the Times of India, Biplab Goswami said that no writer should be disappointed with such an incident. He said that we need good writers in Indian cinema. Since he had registered his script in April 2014, he could have accused ‘Burka City’ (2019) of theft.

The film is not made on just two scenes
He said, ‘I could say that a syndicate is working against us, who spread these rumors without contacting anyone in the missing ladies. They should publicly apologize for questioning our honesty. The allegations are on 2 scenes. The world knows that the missing ladies are not made of those 2 scenes. It is strange that people who are attacking us, they could not understand this.

Artist’s sympathy should be respected
Biplab also emphasized that the views of 2 persons living in two different continents could be the same. He said, ‘As a sensitive writer, I know that some expressions are universal. I wrote the script of the missing ladies after seeing the pain of women who have been behind the scenes for years. Another writer, who lives in another continent, can also write a similar script by looking at women wearing burqas. We should respect the sympathy of the artist, not accusing them.

It is necessary to register in screenwriter association
According to Anirban Dutta, head of SRFTI’s direction and screenplay writing department, there is little clarity about copyright rules in India. There is a need to increase awareness. He said, ‘When a writer is convinced that his work is original, then he should be documented in every stage of writing. For example, if there is any synopsis, it is important to send and register it to the Screenrients Association (SWA). If it is being published in a pitching workshop or residency, it also becomes your copyright material. Anyone can always prove it by going back. Anyone can make allegations. You have to give proof of registering it and show it proof of being published in the list of a pitching forum.

Biplab Goswami advised new writers
Biplab Goswami advised the writers to register their written words immediately. He said, ‘Fees are very low. For example, SWA charges Rs 40 for the first page and Rs 3 for each additional page. New writers struggling with financial crisis can also borrow money to register their work, so that any kind of trouble can be avoided.