‘Simran’ Credit Row: ‘Shahid’ Writer Now Slams Apurva on Facebook

The credit controversy surrounding ‘Simran’ now spills over to ‘Shahid’.

The credit controversy over Simran has now taken a different turn. After writer and editor Apurva Asrani called out Kangana’s lie about having “written” Simran, screenwriter Sameer Gautam Singh has posted a Facebook message accusing Apurva of “insisting on a screenwriting credit” for Shahid (2013), which was also directed by Hansal Mehta.

The emotional post has Sameer telling his friends why he chose to speak after so long and describes in detail how Hansal was put in a spot by Apurva over his demand for a writing credit while he was editing the film.

One day, not much later, I got to know from a team member that Apurva is insisting on a screenwriting credit for the film. Sir was happy with this cut and he then spoke to me about this. At first, I did not know what to say and then I said “No!” because I had given the film 4 years of my life with nothing but that to show for it. Apurva kept at it and refused to work any further unless he was given a Screenplay credit for Editing this ‘Fresh approach/ Narrative’ to the film. Hansal Sir was in a Catch 22 situation and I could see it. It was difficult for him. He did not want to lose either of us. As much as he fought for me, he finally gave in to Apurva’s demands and agreed to give him the credit. Hansal Sir felt sorry towards me, but I was clear that I will not continue to work for/ with him if he has Apurva in his team from thereon.

Sameer Gautam Singh (Facebook)

Sameer goes on to call Apurva a “regular offender” and backs Hansal by writing:

Well, tell me a Director in the last 5 years who has done more in India for the voiceless Indian. You know what; I call that “Spine”. Unwavering and risking everything to show the plight of the voiceless human existence. Questioning our blind and often ancient logic by which we look at our lives, comprehend it. He is a humanist. If that is not showing spine than I don’t know what it really means.

Sameer Gautam Singh (Facebook)

Also Read: Kangana’s ‘Simran’ Credit Row: Star Intervention Vs Writer’s Value

See Sameer’s original Facebook post here:

As the captain of these ships, we would surely like to hear Hansal’s side of the story on the now controversial writing credits of both these films - Simran and Shahid.