"It's a fight to finish," says Manoj Kumar over Om Shanti Om defamation row

This time Manoj Kumar is determined to see his lawsuit against the makers of Om Shanti Om to its logical closure. Says Manoj Kumar, “Yes, I’ve filed civil and criminal cases against them. There’s also a contempt of court case since they did not remove the objectionable scenes even after the earlier court directive. It’s a tough fight ahead. But I’ll see it to its completion. I’ve faith in God.” Manoj Kumar says that no one from the core group of the Om Shanti Om (OSO) team has tried to get in touch with him after the case went into court. Says the veteran actor-filmmaker, “No one has approached me or the people close to me. And even if they did I wouldn’t budge from my decision. I am claiming damages to the tune of 100 crores.” However, he is quick to point out that legal action against the makers of OSO is not money-driven. “I am not suing for damages to get monetary compensation. The damage that they’ve done to me (by spoofing Manoj Kumar in the film) is irreversible and irreparable.” Manoj Kumar says he’d give the away defamatory amount, if he wins the case. “I will give away the entire money to charity. I am fighting on principle, not for the money. And I will see this to the end.” The veteran filmmaker asserts that an out-of-court settlement is not an option. “They had enough opportunities to make amends. No, it’s a fight to finish. They are most welcome to visit me. And I’ll be most courteous to them. But as far as this matter is concerned I’ll see them only in court. It a sub-judice matter.”