New Delhi, Oct 8: Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection of her personality and publicity rights against the alleged unauthorised use and misuse of her identity, including through pornographic and obscene content posted across digital platforms.

A single-judge Bench of Justice Vikas Mahajan issued summons in the suit and also issued notice on the interim injunction application filed by the actress.

During the proceedings, counsel appearing for Ranaut submitted that she was aggrieved by pornographic and obscene content posted against her on social media.

The High Court asked Ranaut’s counsel to provide the names of the defendants against whom a takedown order was being sought, indicating that an appropriate order may be passed on the interim injunction application after the details are furnished.

It also directed the actress’ counsel to file a revised memo of parties after certain defendants were removed from the proceedings.

The matter has now been listed for further hearing on February 3, 2027.

The development comes amid a growing number of personality rights disputes before the Delhi High Court involving allegations of AI-generated impersonation, deepfakes, fake endorsements and unauthorised commercial exploitation of public figures’ identities.

In recent months, former cricketer Gautam Gambhir, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, actors Arjun Kapoor, Allu Arjun, Nagarjuna, Varun Dhawan, Kajol, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan, singer Jubin Nautiyal, filmmaker Karan Johar, podcaster Raj Shamani, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and actor Naga Chaitanya have secured or sought court protection against the unauthorised use of their identity, likeness or AI-generated imitations.

The Delhi High Court had recently passed an interim order directing the removal of certain objectionable online content featuring Bollywood actress Tabu while hearing her suit seeking protection of her personality and publicity rights against the unauthorised use of her identity across digital platforms.

Mumbai, Oct 8: Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has requested the media to give him some time to process the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar.

The two shared a memorable professional association through the iconic movie Welcome, where Bazmee directed Patekar in the role of the iconic Uday Shetty.

Following the actor’s death, the director shared a note saying that he was deeply saddened and was currently not in a condition to speak about the loss.

Sharing a message on his social media account, he addressed his media friends and wrote, “To all my media friends, I’m really sorry, but I’m not in a condition to talk right now. I’m deeply saddened and still unable to process what has happened. Please give me some time. I genuinely don’t have the words or the state of mind to say anything at the moment. This is an unbearable loss and an unbearable pain for me and for all of us. I hope you understand.

Regards, Anees Bazmee.”

Talking about Anees Bazmee and Nana Patekar, they came together for the 2007 comedy Welcome, which went on to become one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved comedies.

Nana Patekar played Uday Shankar Shetty, a feared underworld don who, despite his intimidating persona, is deeply concerned about finding a suitable husband for his sister Sanjana, played by Katrina Kaif.

Anees Bazmee, in an old interview had recalled how he convinced Nana Patekar, an actor predominantly known for intense dramatic performances, to take up a comedy role.

He said he believed the legendary actor would be exceptional at comedy. Nana Patekar eventually agreed after reading the script, famously telling Anees Bazmee that he was like “kachhi mitti” and could be moulded by the director.

The collaboration resulted in one of Nana Patekar’s most memorable comic performances. His chemistry with Anil Kapoor, who played Majnu Bhai, became a major highlight of the film.

Nana Patekar’s Uday Shetty became particularly popular for his fine acting and dialogue delivery. The now-iconic “Control Uday, control” became one of the film’s most recognisable lines and turned into a popular meme.

Another unforgettable moment was Uday’s vegetable-selling sequence, with the dialogue “Aloo le lo, kaanda le lo…”, followed by his ““Subah se na ek aloo bika hai, na bika hai aadha kanda!”, ” went on to become a cult moment.

Earlier, Akshay Kumar, who shared screen space with the legendary actor in Welcome and later reunited with him in Housefull 5, also paid an emotional tribute.

For the uninitiated, Nana Patekar passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75, after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence in Dona Paula, Goa.

New Delhi, Oct 8: NDA leaders on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of Nana Patekar and said that the veteran actor was conscious about the welfare of society and it was one of his core values. They further added that the actor will be remembered fondly for his good works and also for his contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “He was a very close personal friend, and our families have shared a relationship for many years. He did a lot of work for farmers, water conservation, and those affected by farmer suicides with great sensitivity. Social consciousness, social responsibility, and sensitivity towards society were special qualities of his personality. We will remember his work in Hindi and Marathi cinema for many years. He added that his contribution to Hindi and Marathi cinema will be remembered for a long time.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, “He was a very prominent name in the world of cinema. Whether Marathi-speaking or Hindi-speaking, everyone watched and loved him. We mourn the demise of Nana Patekar ji and pray to God to grant him a place at His feet.”

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said, “This is very sad. When we all received the news of the incident, we were deeply shocked. Nana Patekar’s entire life was dedicated to the film industry, India and Indian culture. His acting left such a lasting impression that people from all sections of society accepted and appreciated him.”

UP Minister O.P. Rajbhar expressed grief over the demise of the brilliant actor and said, “It is a sad incident…We pray to God to give his family the strength to bear this loss. On my behalf, on behalf of my party and the people of the state, I pay tribute to him.”

Bihar minister Ram Kripal Yadav said, “Nana Patekar’s demise is a loss for the country and a major loss for the artistic community. He rose to prominence through the film and theatre world and was a very talented artist. No amount of praise can do justice to his art and acting. Through his characters, he highlighted the ills of society. We pay our heartfelt tributes to him and pray to God for the peace of his soul.”

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria said that the demise of Nana Patekar was tragic. Calling him one of the greatest Bollywood celebrities, he paid his respects and tribute to him.

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar said, “He was an artist who overcame adverse conditions and left a mark on people through his acting skills. His characters made an impact.”

In a career spanning over four decades, Nana Patekar made a name with his powerful performances across Hindi and Marathi cinema. He made his Hindi film debut with ‘Gaman’ in 1978 and went on to become one of his generation’s most respected performers.

Nana’s breakthrough came with films such as ‘Salaam Bombay!’ and ‘Parinda’. He went on to deliver strong performances in films including ‘Angaar’, ‘Tirangaa’, ‘Krantiveer’, ‘Agni Sakshi’, ‘Khamoshi: The Musical’, ‘Yeshwant’, ‘Ab Tak Chhappan’, ‘Apaharan’ and ‘Raajneeti’.