Renowned film producer Shailendra Singh, celebrated for National Award-winning projects like Page 3 and Traffic Signal, has recently shared startling details about his protracted legal conflict with megastar Amitabh Bachchan and acclaimed director Shoojit Sircar. The controversy revolves around the unreleased film Shoebite, with Singh asserting his original involvement and significant financial commitments.
The Genesis of Johnny Walker
Shailendra Singh recounted developing a film concept titled Johnny Walker in his office, which he pitched directly to Amitabh Bachchan. According to Singh, Bachchan was slated to portray the lead character Johnny. To facilitate this, Singh introduced Shoojit Sircar to Bachchan at his iconic bungalow, Jalsa, leading to a formal agreement. Singh claims he secured Bachchan's involvement by paying an advance of ₹4 crore for his acting services, with contracts duly signed.
Alleged Takeover and Renaming
The producer alleges that at a subsequent event, the CEO of AB Corp informed him that Johnny Walker would be produced by their company. Singh protested, stating, "I am already producing the film, I have appointed Mr Bachchan as the actor for the film and have paid him ₹4 crore and the contract is signed. I don't want AB Corp to produce my film. I just want Mr Bachchan as an actor." Despite this, Singh asserts the project was later renamed Shoebite by Shoojit Sircar, who then sold it to producer Ronnie Screwvala.
Loss of Rights and Legal Battles
Shailendra Singh expressed his dismay at losing both the director and the film. "After that, I lost Shoojit Sircar to Amitabh Bachchan forever. All Amitabh Bachchan's advertisements are directed by him since that day. I lost my film also," he lamented. The film, eventually titled Johnny Mastana, was produced by Ronnie Screwvala's UTV Group, directed by Shoojit Sircar, and starred Amitabh Bachchan alongside Dia Mirza. However, it remains unreleased to this day.
Singh filed a legal case after UTV assumed control of the project, joining multiple other lawsuits against the film. "Our case is still going on," he noted, revealing a poignant encounter with Bachchan on a flight where he questioned the actor about the situation. "He didn't say anything. He just smiled. He is too dignified to say anything," Singh recalled.
Outcome and Aftermath
Shoebite was never released, following a court order in favor of Ronnie Screwvala in 2012. Meanwhile, Shoojit Sircar and Amitabh Bachchan have successfully collaborated on other films, including Piku and Gulabo Sitabo, highlighting the enduring professional relationship that emerged from this contentious episode.
This revelation sheds light on the complex behind-the-scenes dynamics of Bollywood, where creative visions and financial investments can become entangled in prolonged disputes, leaving projects in limbo and relationships strained.
