Other filmmakers would be encouraged to plagriarise knowing all they've to do is shell out a small compensation. We want to make an example of this case, so that regional filmmakers would think twice before lifting Hindi films. The penalty should be severe.'

Ironically 'Namaste London' on release was said to be inspired by Manoj Kumar's 'Purab Aur Pachim'.

'That was not correct. There were no similarities between the two films except for the fact that in both cases the innocent hero goes to England and confronts the cultural diaspora. 'Namaste London' was inspired by a friend of Akshay's who underwent a similar experience.'

More recently Vipul Shah's new under-production film 'Action Replay' was said to be inspired by 'The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button'.

Shah said: 'That was a very irresponsible piece of reporting. It prompted Warner Brothers to issue a statement. But the fact is 'Action Replay' is about going back in time whereas 'Benjamin Button' is about age reversal. Let them find one similarity between my film and 'Benjamin Button' and we're ready to face the consequences.'

'I disapprove of plagiarism in any form or language. And by taking on the people who've copied my 'Namaste London' in Bengali I'm actually making sure none of us in Bollywood ever falls for the temptation of taking the easy way out to success by simply borrowing a successful film.'