🎶🎭 AR Rahman’s 🎹 'Veera Raja Veera' Lands in Legal Soup! 😲 Court Says It's a Copy of Classic 'Shiva Stuti' 🧘♂️
- MediaFx
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
TL;DR 📰
The Delhi High Court has ruled that AR Rahman’s song 'Veera Raja Veera' from 'Ponniyin Selvan 2' is identical to the Dhrupad composition 'Shiva Stuti' by the Junior Dagar Brothers. The court ordered Rahman and the film's producers to deposit ₹2 crore and give due credit to the original composers.
🎵 The Melody Mix-Up: Court's Verdict 🎶
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court found that AR Rahman's 'Veera Raja Veera' is not just inspired by, but identical to 'Shiva Stuti', a composition by the late Junior Dagar Brothers. Justice Prathiba M Singh noted that the song's notes, emotion, and aural impact closely mirror the original.
🧑⚖️ Legal Implications: Acknowledgment and Compensation 💰
The court directed Rahman, Madras Talkies, and Lyca Productions to deposit ₹2 crore with the court registry. Additionally, they must pay ₹2 lakh to Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, the son of one of the original composers. The film must also update its credits across all platforms to acknowledge the Junior Dagar Brothers' contribution.
🎼 The Original Composition: 'Shiva Stuti' 🎤
'Shiva Stuti' was composed and performed by the Junior Dagar Brothers, Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar. Recorded in 1978 at the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam, it has been a significant piece in the Dhrupad tradition. Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar holds the copyright to this composition.
🎙️ Defense's Argument: Public Domain Claim 🛡️
Rahman's legal team argued that 'Shiva Stuti' is based on the traditional Dhrupad genre, which is in the public domain, and thus not subject to copyright. However, the court rejected this, stating that original compositions within traditional genres are protected under the Copyright Act.
🧘♂️ MediaFx Opinion: Upholding Artistic Integrity 🎨
This case underscores the importance of respecting and acknowledging original creators, especially in traditional art forms. In an era where art is easily accessible and remixable, it's crucial to ensure that the contributions of original artists are not overshadowed. Protecting intellectual property rights fosters a culture of creativity and fairness.
