Latest news with #ZakirKhan
Mint
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Legal experts warn of increasing IP infringement as AI and digital platforms proliferate
With the Delhi High Court granting interim protection to the intellectual property rights of the 1994 Hindi filmAndaz Apna Apnato prevent the unauthorised use of its characters, title, dialogues and artistic elements, entertainment industry experts say there is gradual recognition of the increasing threat to intellectual property (IP) ownership, especially with the proliferation of digital platforms and AI technologies. These rights are being infringed upon in new and sophisticated ways, particularly in the case of older, iconic films through unauthorised use in derivative works, stage plays, YouTube series, or even web content that tries to bank on the popularity of the original. The emergence of social media has led to a surge in clipped movie scenes, fan edits, dubbed Reels, and remixed dialogues, often circulated for ad revenue or to boost influencer engagement. Legal experts say these practices frequently border on or cross into infringement, especially when the content is monetised. As AI technologies make unauthorised use more rampant and accessible, filmmakers who may have earlier relied on reputation or informal industry norms to protect their work are now formally enforcing their rights through innovative legal means. Also Read: How Zakir Khan, Bhuvan Bam and Kusha Kapila hit the big time Last month, the Delhi High Court restrained over 30 individuals and entities from "reproducing, using, or commercially exploiting content related to the film (Andaz Apna Apna) without permission." Vinay Pictures, represented by Shanti Vinaykumar Sinha, the legal heir of the film's late producer, Vinay Sinha, filed the lawsuit. 'Popular films from the past are often commercially exploited without authorisation. Iconic dialogues are printed on merchandise, clips are used in YouTube compilations and social media Reels, and songs are reused in digital content without proper licensing," Aishwarya Kaushiq, partner, disputes practice, BTG Advaya, said. Securing sequels, remakes In some cases, creators produce remakes, sequels, or adaptations—both online and offline—without acquiring rights. AI tools are increasingly used to recreate well-known characters or scenes, and mobile games often incorporate elements that resemble those from classic films, all of which infringe on the original IP, she added. On the monetisation aspect, the apparent objective here is to capitalise on the nostalgia and enduring popularity of these films. By leveraging recognisable characters, quotes, or visuals, infringers aim to drive engagement, boost product sales, or increase views—without sharing revenue with the rightful IP holders. Gaurav Sahay, founder partner, Arthashastra Legal pointed out that AI has further complicated this by enabling the recreation of actors' faces, voices, and iconic scenes, which can then be used in spoof videos, tribute content, or even digital advertising, all without needing any actual footage or consent from the rights holders. 'AI tools can produce content that closely mimics or even recreates the original work, often without needing access to the actual source files, with startling accuracy. The low barrier to entry has democratised creativity, but it has also opened the floodgates to infringement," Sahay said. Also Read: Independent producers, boutique studios veer towards regional cinema for big gains He added that such content spreads rapidly across digital platforms, from YouTube to Instagram, generating views, engagement, and even revenue for creators who have not contributed to the original work. In many cases, viewers may not even realise that what they are watching is AI-generated, blurring the line between original creation and synthetic imitation. AI has accelerated and anonymised the infringement process. It has empowered a new class of content creators who may not fully understand or respect IP boundaries. Enforcing rights 'The use of Gen AI for infringing copyright is a significant legal issue and will only grow with time. It is being used to duplicate film characters and music by amateurs as well as increasingly by businesses in the context of product or business endorsements on social media. This is seen generally in moment marketing campaigns conducted by many brands despite the legal risk associated with such unlicensed or unauthorised use," Ameet Datta, founder and managing counsel, ADP Law Offices, said. To be sure, filmmakers who may have earlier relied on reputation or informal industry norms to protect their work are now formally enforcing their rights. Sahay said proactive IP audits are conducted to identify and consolidate ownership over various elements of films to ensure they have a legally enforceable foundation in place. Where a single viral clip or AI-generated parody can damage or dilute a brand, filmmakers are recognising the need to future-proof their IP through vigilant legal oversight, contracts that reflect modern realities, and timely enforcement when their rights are breached. Filmmakers are now assigning digital rights for their past works or negotiating new licensing deals with OTT platforms and music streaming services, ensuring they maintain control over how their content is distributed and reused. Changing clauses Many are now amending clauses in their existing contracts that account for newer forms of exploitation, including AI-generated adaptations, derivative content, or non-fungible token (NFT) usage. There is also an emphasis on digital watermarking and blockchain-based copyright tracking, which allows filmmakers to prove ownership in cases of online infringement. Also Read: Old hits and IPL screenings offer buzz, but not cash for cinemas 'We're seeing a clear shift in how filmmakers, including veterans, are approaching IP protection. Many are now taking proactive legal steps to not just seek registration of their IP but also seek enforcement of copyright, trademarks, and moral rights," Essenese Obhan, managing partner, Obhan & Associates, said. 'Legal teams are also being engaged for continuous monitoring, takedown requests, and litigation wherever needed," Obhan said, adding that the recent interim stay in theAndaz Apna Apnacase signals an encouraging trend of courts recognising and enforcing these rights, despite the complexities introduced by new technologies.
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
From roasts to reels: A walk through India's comedy scene over the years
In my first or second year of college, I stumbled upon stand-up comedy for the first time. And not just any kind — it was roast comedy that was all the rage back then (especially among teenagers trying very hard to seem edgy). The infamous AIB Knockout featuring Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor had just gone viral. It was controversial, chaotic, and loud — and, in hindsight, probably not the most talked-about introduction to a centuries-old art form. Until then, comedy, for most of us, had lived in movie scenes, sitcoms, and Govinda-level one-liners. But here was something different: a person, alone on stage, mic in hand, speaking to a room full of strangers — and somehow, with nothing but their words, managing to make everyone laugh till their stomachs hurt. It was thrilling. After the roast we discovered a flurry of AIB content — song parodies with Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt, Irrfan Khan, and Kangana Ranaut; their iconic 'Honest' series (the Honest Indian Weddings one still holds up); and of course, actual stand-up clips that introduced us to new, raw voices. One of them was Zakir Khan — Sakht Launda — who didn't just tell jokes but told stories, pulling audiences in with his heartbreaks, nostalgia, and that unbeatable Indori charm. He wasn't trying to be someone else — he was just being himself, and that made all of us feel a little more seen. I still haven't seen him live, but it's high up on the bucket list. As time passed, comedy — or at least my relationship with it — evolved. Instagram slowly went from being a photo-sharing app to the video vortex that is 'reels' today. We found ourselves watching sketch after sketch, voiceover after voiceover, with creators like Kusha Kapila making us laugh daily with characters like Billi Maasi (those iDiva days were gold). Then came the YouTubers — Bhuvan Bam, for example, who didn't just rely on punchlines but built entire worlds playing multiple characters, switching accents, expressions, and outfits with almost zero-budget setups and insane editing skills. The comedy wasn't just funny — it was creative. And it showed us what you could do when you blended humour with heart and hustle. Of course, the AIB era came crashing down around six years ago, following allegations of sexual misconduct on the core members that left the comedy scene shaken and introspective. It was disheartening, to say the least. But while the collective dissolved, some individuals — like Tanmay Bhat — managed to ride out the storm. Today, his reaction videos (especially the ones with friends and fellow creators, the OG gang) are some of the most-loved content online. There's something wholesome about watching someone just react with joy, sarcasm, or straight-up astonishment to content we already enjoy — it feels like watching things with your funniest friend. While the journey has been a bit stained here and there, I'm just glad we're all still laughing through it. Once YouTube sketch artists, now global brands—Zakir Khan, Bhuvan Bam, and Kusha Kapila are rewriting the rules of India's creator economy. From turning everyday struggles into satirical gold to launching shapewear brands and selling out global tours, these pioneers have scaled beyond algorithms to build sustainable careers. Their edge? A clear brand voice, cultural resonance, and strategic expansion across OTT, film, and entrepreneurship. But the shift from viral to viable isn't easy—mainstream media demands more than just fame. For India's top digital creators, reinvention is the only constant, and authenticity remains their strongest currency. Read more. Tata Consultancy Services is inching toward ₹ 10,000 crore in annual revenue from Tata Group firms — a more than 3x jump since N. Chandrasekaran became Tata Sons Chairman in 2017. This internal surge, now 3.1% of TCS's total revenue, reflects his 'One Tata' vision to streamline digital operations across the conglomerate. Big-ticket contracts from JLR, BSNL, and Tata Capital have driven the gains. With Tata entering new-age sectors like semiconductors, TCS is poised to play the tech backbone for the group's future-forward transformation. Read more. Sebi has barred ex-IndusInd Bank CEO Sumant Kathpalia and four top executives for alleged insider trading, freezing ₹ 19.78 crore in gains. The five offloaded shares while aware of a ₹ 1,749 crore derivative accounting error—an unpublished price sensitive info (UPSI) not disclosed until March 2025. The bank's stock tanked 27% the next day. Sebi flagged delayed disclosures, strategic share sales, and systematic UPSI lapses. The accused now face a trading ban, with a deeper probe and possible penalties underway. They have 21 days to respond or request a hearing from 29 May. Read more. A US court has declared Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs—including a 26% duty on Indian goods—illegal under emergency powers law, prompting Indian trade experts to urge a rethink. As India nears a trade deal with the US by July 8 to dodge steep duties, experts warn against rushing in under invalid pressure. The ruling weakens Washington's leverage, with critics arguing India is conceding too much. While the verdict boosts hopes for fairer talks, it's appealable. Experts advise India to pause, reassess, and prioritise national interest in any trade pact. Read more. From cold emails to catalyzing change, 24-year-old Chaarmikha Nagalla's journey mirrors RBIH's mission—to turn ideas into impact. Joining the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub after a chance event on financial inclusion, she now leads such initiatives across India. RBIH, born in 2021, bridges fintechs and regulation with game-changers like ULI and MuleHunter, digitizing credit and combating fraud. From milk data to micro-loans, it's reinventing access and trust. As RBIH dreams of being the innovation beacon for the Global South, its young changemakers like Nagalla who keep the vision alive. Read more. Yulu, once a shared mobility startup focused on city commuters, has become a vital player in India's fast-growing quick commerce sector. By shifting focus to gig workers, who now drive over 90% of its revenue, Yulu has turned its fleet of 45,000 electric bikes into key infrastructure for last-mile grocery and food deliveries in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai. The pivot paid off: revenue nearly tripled to ₹ 112 crore in FY24, even as net losses widened. Can Yulu stay ahead in the race as the gig economy heats up? Read more. As India and the US edge closer to finalising a trade deal, pharmaceuticals are emerging as a key bargaining chip. India has proposed to supply complex generics at 20–25% of branded drug prices, back US manufacturing under Trump's 'Make in America' push, and tighten patent rules to curb evergreening. In return, it seeks tariff exemptions and incentives for Indian pharma firms in the US. Given that Indian companies supply nearly half of US generics and help save billions in healthcare costs, could this deal redefine how the world pays for medicine? Read more. A Dallas court has asked IT giants Cognizant and Infosys to settle key discovery disputes through a conference call, signalling a possible turning point in their 10-month legal battle. The case, sparked by Cognizant's allegations that Infosys stole trade secrets related to its healthcare software, has seen escalating tensions, especially after Infosys accused Cognizant CEO (and former Infosys exec) S Ravi Kumar of derailing a rival product. While the court declined to force Cognizant to further define the alleged stolen secrets, it ordered both firms to clarify key disclosures. With $5.9B of Cognizant's revenue tied to healthcare, the stakes remain high for both. Read more. India's defence sector is drawing strong investor interest following Operation Sindoor. Defence stocks like HAL, BEL, Bharat Dynamics, and BEML have surged up to 40%, supported by a long-term structural shift in the sector. Historically driven by geopolitical flashpoints, defence is now seen as a strategic growth pillar underpinned by higher spending, indigenisation, and export ambitions. India, the fifth-largest global military spender in 2024 at $86.1 billion, has seen its defence exports rise 34-fold over the past decade, hitting ₹ 23,622 crore in FY25. Read this Long Story to understand why Operation Sindoor was a turning point for Indian defence stocks. Tata Motors saw its workforce shrink by 3% in FY25–the first drop since FY20–amid muted demand across its vehicle segments. The total headcount fell to 58,442, largely due to a drop in non-managerial staff. While the company said the decline didn't reflect business fundamentals, it came alongside flat revenues and an 11% fall in net profit. Executive pay hikes also slowed, with a median increase of just 3% versus 15% last year. One of the exceptions was executive director Girish Wagh, whose pay rose 22%. Both passenger and commercial vehicle sales slipped in FY25, mirroring an industry-wide slowdown. Read more. That's all for this week! If you have any feedback, want to talk about food, or have anything else to say about our journalism, write to me at or reply to this mail. You can also write to feedback@
The Print
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Modern love is the funniest joke. That's why comedy shows are so heavy on dating content
Picture this: one girl and three boys—all blindfolded on stage. She must pick one to date. That's how it goes on the comedy dating show Andha Pyar. Thanks to the comics as acting judges, the one-week Bumble cycle of swiping, texting, and unmatching is wrapped up in an hour. It's not the only show of its kind—and they all get views in millions. Funny or not, almost all comedians in the world have performed at least one set on dating and relationships. Whether it is Anubhav Singh Bassi, Prashasti Singh, Urooj Ashfaq, Daniel Sloss, Taylor Tomlinson, or the open mic newbies at the neighbourhood cafe—everybody has their own punchlines. Now, some of them have even started finding matches for the public. Zakir Khan has been the unofficial life coach for heartbroken men. He's joked about the melting hearts of 'sakht launde', one-sided yearning, and being rejected by women. Sometimes sounding like a border-line incel. But now he's changing gears. His fresh take on relationships? Iss hammam me sab nange hain (everyone is flawed). In his standup Smart Girl Dating Pattern, he says that 'intelligent' women have the worst taste—rejecting men like Elon Musk (his words, not ours) only to, in a moment of existential darkness, pick the nearest available loser. Is he onto something? No comments. Pain sells Why are comedy routines so heavy on dating content these days? Because there are few jokes funnier than the modern dating culture. The stand-up script writes itself. And, as the dating pool expands in the apps-based romance era, everybody's having the same experiences, more or less. It's so damn relatable. Even when comics don't have material prepared on the subject, they dabble in it through crowd work. 'Hey, you two in the front. Are you dating each other?' Bam. The joke bank is unlocked right there. The way things are going, it won't be wrong to say that the dating scene is spicing up and ruining stand-up comedy at the same time. What's so original about ghosting, Hinge bios, break-up texts, and bizarre first dates? Comedian Kaustubh Agarwal comes on stage and starts whining about how he's having a hard time in bed. First of all, barf. Second, why is he laughing the hardest at his own joke? Prashasti Singh, on the other hand, talks about her date with a South Bombay guy. Her material is so painfully predictable, you could piece it together after watching two reels and a SoBo meme page. Only a few comics are keeping their hands off this goldmine of comedy. A New York-based comedian, Abby Govindan, doesn't do it because she says her dating stories are not relatable. 'I only date men with bed frames and 401ks and a secure attachment style. No one would laugh.' And she's right. Look at Zakir Khan, his romantic failures made his career. Pain sells, and a comic rejected in love gets the loudest cheers. Also read: Spotify is now a dating app. Its song libraries lead you into love Not just haha, hehe Believe it or not, comics are holding up a mirror. On a Valentine's Day show, a comedian asked women to raise their hands if they had paid for their tickets. The only girl who did was roasted along with her date. The whole arena was laughing at them. Kenny Sebastian, in his new set, talks about how his parents fell in love. He says that because of arranged marriages, ugly men like his father ended up with pretty wives. Where is the lie? Tarang Hardikar is my new favourite comedian – just for the way he trashes the modern language of dating. He says he doesn't know how to be on dates, and by accumulating all the advice he's received about it, he's come up with a human temperature scale. Cold, cool, chill, warm, hot. Everybody must act chill to seem hot. And somewhere between cold and hot, sex gets involved. It's a complex code to crack. The comedy material on dating isn't plain and simple haha, hehe. It's also about defining one's identity and challenging the cone of silence. Comicstaan graduate Swati Sachdeva did the unexpected by coming out as bisexual during her 2022 show Love is Love, and talking about her hairdresser girlfriend. She had the audience in stitches with her punchline—'You can imagine how good she's with scissors.' American comedian Hope Woodard started doing videos about her year-long break from sex and love, and it started a whole new movement on the internet—boysober. It touched so many nerves that The New York Times published an article about her. I can't reveal my sources, but the state of romance is such that Cupid has shot himself in the foot. And he's watching comedy specials to cope. Honestly, same. There's also some profound wisdom to be found in there. Daniel Sloss, in his 2018 Netflix comedy special, introduced us to his dad's Jigsaw theory—life is like a puzzle with four fixed corners and no instructions. You start with family, friends, hobbies, and career. And then look for the elusive pieces. Love, force it too early, and the whole picture falls apart. Fine by me. Moreover, if comedian Shubham Upadhyay didn't joke about his love life, how would I know what goes on in RSS schools? 'Raksha Bandhan was our Valentine's Day. If a girl ties a rakhi on you, it means she likes you,' said Upadhyay. When he asked his crush for a rakhi, she rejected him by saying, 'I see you as my brother.' Poor guy was Bhagwa-zoned. Views are personal. (Edited by Zoya Bhatti)
India Today
04-05-2025
- India Today
Bhopal delivery boy arrested for printing, circulating fake Rs 100 notes
Bhopal Police have arrested a delivery boy for printing counterfeit currency at home and circulating it in the market. The case came to light during a routine vehicle check when police intercepted a suspicious scooter the evening of May 2, police set up a vehicle check post at Housing Board Square. During the operation, a scooter with an unclear number plate raised suspicion. When police attempted to stop the rider, he tried to flee but was preliminary questioning, the man gave evasive answers. However, a search of the scooter's storage compartment revealed several Rs 100 notes that appeared fake. A further search of the man led to the discovery of more Rs 100 notes in his trouser pocket, all counterfeit. The serial numbers on the notes were found to be identical. Upon questioning, the suspect identified himself as Zakir Khan, 42, a resident of Indravihar Colony in FAKE NOTE PAPER SEIZED FROM HOMEPolice later searched Khan's residence, where they found an HP printer allegedly used to print fake currency, along with a bundle of 55 counterfeit Rs 100 notes—all bearing the same serial number. They also recovered 50 sheets of plain paper, each printed with two Rs 100 and two Rs 50 notes on both sides, all with identical serial materials used in printing counterfeit notes were also seized. A case has been registered against the accused under Sections 179, 180, and 181 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Time of India
Food delivery boy held for printing, circulating fake currency
Bhopal : Nishatpura police on Saturday claimed to have arrested a food delivery boy for allegedly printing and circulating fake currency and possessing two stolen two-wheelers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Nishatpura SHO Rupesh Dubey said that acting on suspicious activity during a routine vehicle check on Friday evening at the Housing Board Square, police nabbed the accused, who attempted to flee after being stopped due to an unclear vehicle number plate. The accused is a resident of Indra Vihar Colony in Koh-e-Fiza. Upon inspection of his scooter's storage compartment, police found fake currency notes of Rs 100 denomination. On closer examination, the notes were found to be counterfeit. A search of the accused's clothing revealed additional bundles of fake Rs 100 notes, all bearing identical serial numbers. He was taken into custody for further investigation. Subsequent searches at his residence led police to recover a colour printer used for printing fake notes , green foil, scale, pencils, sharp paper cutter, and around 50 sheets with Rs 100 and Rs 50 notes printed on both sides — each set having matching serial numbers. In total, fake currency worth Rs 13,400 was seized, along with the equipment used in its production. Police revealed that the accused had circulated fake notes worth approximately Rs 40,000 in the market. He used the cover of his delivery job to discreetly distribute the fake notes at night, exploiting low visibility. He admitted to exclusively printing Rs 100 and Rs 50 denominations, believing they were less likely to draw attention and easier to pass undetected. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He allegedly ran this operation for the past six months. Further investigation revealed that the accused also stole two two-wheelers from the Nishatpura area, which he was currently using. Both vehicles were recovered by the police. Police have taken him on police remand and are conducting intensive interrogation to uncover the full extent of his operations and any accomplices involved. His past criminal records are also being examined. An FIR has been registered against accused identified as Zakir Khan, 42, under relevant sections of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The case remains under investigation.
