Vashu Bhagnani sues David Dhawan for Rs 400 crore in Hai Jawani Toh... songs row

Vashu Bhagnani has sued David Dhawan, Tips Industries and Ramesh Taurani for Rs 400 crore over the use of songs from Biwi No. 1 in the upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai.

In Short

• Vashu Bhagnani has filed a Rs 400 crore suit over alleged unauthorised use of Biwi No. 1 songs
• The producer has sought urgent relief against release, streaming, exhibition and promotions
• His lawyers said previously granted audio rights had been formally revoked

Vashu Bhagnani’s Puja Entertainment has filed a Rs 400 crore lawsuit in the Bombay High Court against director David Dhawan, Tips Industries Limited, and producers Ramesh Taurani and Kumar S Taurani over the alleged unauthorised use of songs from the 1999 film Biwi No.over the use of songs from Biwi No. 1.

The dispute is linked to recreated versions of Chunnari Chunnari and Ishq Sona Hai, which have been used in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, starring Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde and Mrunal Thakur.

According to ANI, as per the suit filed by V K Dubey Associates, Puja Entertainment has sought urgent injunctive relief to stop the release, distribution, exhibition, streaming and further commercial exploitation of the film, along with all promotional material featuring the disputed songs.

The production house has also sought the removal of the songs from the film and has asked for a title change.

Speaking to ANI, Bhagnani’s lawyers said, “We have filed a suit with a claim of Rs. 400 crores to 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.”

The lawyer further said that Puja Entertainment had issued a notice to Tips Industries revoking the audio rights that were previously granted, effectively barring the company from using the songs in the upcoming film.

All about the controversy

The controversy centres on the use of the two Biwi No.1 songs in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, directed by David Dhawan. Puja Entertainment has alleged that the makers do not have the necessary rights to use the tracks and has demanded that they be removed from both the film and its promotional material.

The production house has also sought a title change for the film, saying that Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai derives its name from the song Ishq Sona Hai.

In addition, Puja Entertainment has demanded Rs 100 crore in damages if Tips Industries Limited and David Dhawan do not comply with its demands.

Ramesh Taurani of Tips Industries Limited, meanwhile, has maintained that the company legally owns the music and audio rights to the songs.

The film is slated for a theatrical release on June 5.

- Ends