A major copyright dispute is unfolding in Bollywood, with Puja Entertainment (India) Ltd filing a massive Rs 400 crore lawsuit in the Bombay High Court. The case centres on the alleged unauthorised use of songs associated with the 1999 blockbuster Biwi No 1.
The legal action has been initiated by Vashu Bhagnani’s production banner against Tips Industries, Ramesh Taurani, Kumar Taurani and director David Dhawan. The dispute relates to the songs Chunari Chunari and Ishq Sona Hai, which are reportedly featured in the upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai starring Varun Dhawan.
According to the legal statement filed by Puja Entertainment, the company is seeking urgent relief from the court. The production house has requested restrictions on the release, distribution, exhibition, streaming and commercial exploitation of the film and related promotional content containing the disputed songs.
The company has also asked the court to direct the removal of the songs from the film and its promotional material. In addition, Puja Entertainment has sought changes to the film’s title and requested further legal remedies if the disputed content continues to be used.
As part of its claims, the production house has sought an additional Rs 100 crore in damages if the defendants continue to commercially exploit the material under dispute. The company argues that the defendants allegedly lacked the required authority, assignment or licence to use the original audio-visual works.
The lawsuit further claims that the alleged infringement affects the proprietary and commercial rights linked to the original cinematographic works associated with the popular late-1990s production. These claims will now be examined as part of the legal proceedings.
The matter has reportedly been accepted for hearing by the Bombay High Court and is expected to be listed shortly. Legal counsel V K Dubey, appearing for Puja Entertainment, stated that the court has agreed to hear the matter in due course.
As the dispute involves a well-known production house, iconic songs and several prominent industry figures, the case is expected to attract significant attention across the film industry. However, the matter remains sub judice and the allegations made in the lawsuit are yet to be adjudicated by the court.
Peddi is now just four days away from its paid premieres in Telangana and Andhra…
Despite entering cinema with family backing, Prabhas’ journey in cinema never followed the traditional superstar…
