Abhishek Kapoor Reveals Legal Battle with Sara Ali Khan Over Film Dates: “Fought in Court by Day, Shot Scenes by Night”

Filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor sheds light on the legal dispute with actress Sara Ali Khan, stemming from their collaboration on the 2018 film, “Kedarnath.” Kapoor reflects on the paradoxical situation of simultaneously battling in court while filming crucial scenes for the movie. The conflict arose amidst a legal entanglement between Kapoor and KriArj Entertainment, causing disruptions in Khan’s shooting schedule as she had committed her available dates to Karan Johar’s “Simmba,” starring Ranveer Singh and directed by Rohit Shetty.

Sara Ali Khan made her debut in Abhishek Kapoor's Kedarnath.

In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Abhishek Kapoor delves into the complexities of filmmaking, emphasizing the need to safeguard one’s project from unforeseen challenges, even from those expected to support it. He recounts instances where Khan’s management, in their enthusiasm, allocated her dates to another project, a move deemed unacceptable by Kapoor, given the significant investment in the film’s production.

Kapoor reveals the additional hurdle of financial issues with fraudulent entities, necessitating legal intervention to reclaim Khan’s committed dates for “Kedarnath.” Remarkably, amidst courtroom confrontations, Kapoor and Khan collaborated on filming pivotal scenes, exemplifying their dedication to the project’s completion.

The director reflects on the learning experience from the ordeal, emphasizing the importance of compartmentalizing challenges while maintaining focus on the creative process. Despite the adversities, both Kapoor and Khan emerged with valuable insights, contributing to their growth as individuals.

Addressing speculation surrounding Khan’s debut preference between “Kedarnath” and “Simmba,” Kapoor refrains from commenting extensively on Khan’s mother, Amrita Singh’s alleged influence, stating limited interaction with her.

However, Kapoor commends Khan’s commitment and suitability for her role in “Kedarnath,” highlighting her dedication and compatibility with the character. He acknowledges the collaborative nature of casting decisions, emphasizing the importance of aligning an actor’s personality with the character’s traits. Kapoor praises Khan’s work ethic and hunger for excellence, recognizing her potential for future versatility in acting endeavors.