A major legal battle has erupted between producer Vashu Bhagnani’s Puja Entertainment and music label Tips Industries over the use of songs from the 1999 film ‘Biwi No.1’. According to ANI reports, Puja Entertainment has approached the Bombay High Court with a lawsuit seeking Rs 400 crore in damages. The case has been filed against Tips Industries Limited, Ramesh Taurani, Kumar S Taurani and filmmaker David Dhawan. The controversy revolves around the alleged use of the songs ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ and ‘Ishq Sona Hai’ in the upcoming film ‘Hai Jawani To Ishq Hona Hai’. Puja Entertainment has claimed that the makers do not possess valid rights to use the songs in the film or its promotional campaigns.
‘Hai Jawani To Ishq Hona Hai’ release faces legal challenge
The lawsuit reportedly seeks urgent relief from the court to stop the release and commercial exploitation of the film if the disputed songs remain part of the project. The production house has also requested restrictions on the film’s distribution, exhibition and streaming release. The suit was reportedly filed through the counsel V. K. Dubey Associates. According to reports, the legal dispute has been continuing for several years regarding the ownership and usage rights connected to the songs.The matter has now intensified ahead of the film’s theatrical release. Vashu Bhagnani’s legal team explained the conflict’s background while speaking to ANI.
Lawyer explains rights dispute
Speaking about the matter, Bhagnani’s lawyer told a portal, “We have filed a suit with a claim of Rs. 400 crores against the Tips Music Company. The legal battle has been increasing for many days, and the rights of the musicians were not ready to be settled. Earlier, the rights of movies were based on agreements. Today, music companies buy songs from big producers or lyricists who write or create them. During that time, the agreements with Tips covered only audio rights. In 2018, Tips emailed us requesting visual rights. Vashu Bhagnani had replied to them, but their conversation did not settle.”According to the lawyer, Puja Entertainment later issued a notice cancelling the audio rights previously granted to Tips. The production house now argues that the songs therefore cannot legally be used in the upcoming film. The advocate also questioned the ownership claims linked to the music rights.
Additional 100 crore claim raised
The lawyer further stated, “If they are the lawful owners of the music rights, they must show their documents. This is why we have filed a claim against Tips. Justice will prevail, and the truth will come out.”The controversy has also affected the title of the film.Reports suggest that ‘Hai Jawani To Ishq Hona Hai’ takes inspiration from the song Ishq Sona Hai featured in Biwi No.1. Puja Entertainment has now demanded that the songs be removed not only from the film but also from all promotional material connected to the release. In addition to the Rs 400 crore lawsuit, the production house reportedly sought another Rs 100 crore in damages if the demands are not met.Directed by David Dhawan, ‘Hai Jawani To Ishq Hona Hai’ features Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur in lead roles. The film is currently scheduled to release in theatres on June 5.Disclaimer: The information in this report is based on a legal hearing as reported by a third-party source. The details provided represent allegations made by the parties involved and are not proven facts. The case is ongoing, and a final verdict has not been reached. The publication does not claim that the allegations are true.
