Mumbai, May 27 -- Producer Ramesh Taurani, Tips and the team of 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' have broken their silence on the ongoing controversy with producer Vashu Bhagnani, dismissing his allegations as a "smear campaign" driven by "personal vendetta."

In a joint statement, the makers said, "Recently, a series of baseless allegations have been made against us by Mr. Vashu Bhagnani. It is amply clear to us that this is a smear campaign driven by personal vendetta, intended to derail the release of our film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai."

The statement further claimed that their association with Bhagnani dates back to 1995 during the making of Coolie No. 1.

"Our association with Mr. Bhagnani dates back to 1995, when we generously off...