Aamir Dalvi is earning praise for his performance as the prime antagonist in Kennedy. In an exclusive conversation with Midday, the actor opened up about the film’s long journey, its festival acclaim, and his experience working with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. Aamir Dalvi reacts to the long wait to premiere Reflecting on the delayed release, Aamir said, “The wait has certainly been long, but like they say in Hindi, sabr ka phal meetha hota hai. It’s worth it, it’s worth all the wait.” Highlighting the film’s prestigious premiere, he added, “We opened at the Cannes Film Festival. What better an opening could an artist and a film ask for? So, that’s where it all started.” After travelling to multiple festivals and receiving recognition, he feels confident about its homecoming. “It’s been a long journey to get here to the audiences, but I’m sure the audience will really appreciate the wait and appreciate the kind of film that has been made.” Speaking about his first collaboration with Kashyap, Aamir admitted to being overwhelmed. “Day one was like how every actor goes through being nervous, working with such a director of that caliber and fame.” He described the adrenaline rush and uncertainty: “You’re nervous, you’re scared, you don’t know what to do, whether you will get scolded.” Recalling a memorable moment after his first shot, he shared, “He literally came limping out and just blew a flying kiss. And he was like, ‘f**k you, turn the scene around.’ So, yeah, that was like the biggest moment for me.” After that, he said, “Everything just changed. I got into my comfort zone.” Aamir Dalvi detailed Kashyap's unconventional methods Aamir praised Kashyap’s unconventional approach. “He doesn’t want you to act. And that’s what I love. He’s like, just be it.” He explained, “The reason he will cast you is because you are somewhere very similar or close to the character.” The director offers freedom within boundaries. “He gives you a lot of liberty,” Aamir said, adding that initially he was confused: “There are no instructions given, nothing being told. I’m just being told, come from there and say your line. I’m like, what do I do?” Kashyap’s spontaneity impressed him. “He doesn’t believe in giving the scripts to the actor. He’d explain a scene and tell you to do it in your own language.” The atmosphere, he said, feels organic. “You don’t come in with a set mindset. He creates that atmosphere which is so beautiful for an actor because he lets you live.” Summing up the experience, Aamir shared, “There’s a different rush. There’s a different freshness and everything happens very spontaneously.”
20 February,2026 07:59 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti SampatHonourable French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent India visit featured several diplomatic highlights, but it was his interaction with cinema icon Anil Kapoor that truly grabbed attention. During a rapid-fire chat with Brut India, the French President was asked about his favourite Bollywood actor. With a smile, Emmanuel Macron replied, “I mean, yesterday I mentioned Jai Ho, so I would say Anil Kapoor.” In that moment, politics briefly gave way to pop culture - and the internet found its headline. When Anil Kapoor met French President Set against the iconic backdrop of the Gateway of India, the French President engaged with prominent voices from India’s arts and entertainment fraternity. At the forefront of this cultural exchange stood Anil Kapoor, representing the global resonance of Indian cinema with effortless gravitas. Sharing a photograph from the meeting, Anil Kapoor wrote, “Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte, exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France.” The image was more than ceremonial; it reflected Anil Kapoor’s enduring international relevance and the stature Indian cinema commands on the world stage. Spent an inspiring afternoon with President Emmanuel Macron and his gracious better half, Brigitte exchanging thoughts on cinema, culture, and the powerful bridge between India and France.Here’s to India 🇮🇳 x France 🇫🇷And to many more stories waiting to be told.… pic.twitter.com/UkNzhcKxKG — Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) February 17, 2026 As one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable global forces, Anil Kapoor’s professional slate remains equally strong. He will next be seen in Subedaar, directed by Suresh Triveni, releasing on March 5 on Amazon Prime Video, followed by Family Business, part of Netflix’s upcoming slate — proving that while world leaders may name him a favourite, audiences worldwide are eagerly awaiting his next act. Macron's Dhurandhar exit French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron recently wrapped up their diplomatic tour of India, and he dropped a Bollywood style goodby video recalling his visit to the country. In the video, Emmanuel Macron recapped his memorable moments in the country with the beats of Ranveer Singh’s viral Dhurandhar track as the background score. On Friday, Emmanuel Macron took to X and shared the tribute video in which he looked back at the special moments spent in the country from his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a breezy jog on Mumbai’s streets to indulging in Indian cuisine. He shared the video with the caption, “Thank you India!" Thank you India! 🇮🇳🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/vDJ9IH2hZy — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 19, 2026
20 February,2026 07:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmid the security concerns following an extortion threat, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were recently seen stepping out in the city to extend their support for her father and badminton legend Prakash Padukone. The couple was seen attending an event in Mumbai, which was also attended by Shloka Mehta Ambani and Sonam Kapoor. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone attend an event The couple was joined by Deepika’s mother-in-law, Anju Bhavnani, at the event. Several pictures from the event have now surfaced on social media. In one of the pictures from the event, Ranveer and Deepika are seated in the audience with Anju seated beside Deepika. Ranveer is seen enthusiastically applauding while Deepika flashes a warm smile as an attendee asks a question during the session. In another picture, the trio is seen looking attentively towards an audience member who is asking a question. In a third picture, Deepika is seen proudly posing on stage with her father alongside other guests and attendees present at the session, including Sonam Kapoor, and Shloka Mehta Ambani. Ranveer Singh received threats In a fresh development in the case, Bollywood star Ranveer Singh reportedly received a threat from the Bishnoi gang, which demanded Rs 10 crore through a voice note sent to his manager from an American number. A senior Mumbai Police official said the crime branch is contacting the concerned agency in the United States through official protocol to obtain details about the number During its probe, the Mumbai crime branch found that one of the Bishnoi gang's close aides, Harry Boxer, reportedly sent the voice note threatening Ranveer Singh and demanding Rs 10 crore as extortion. In the preliminary investigation, the crime branch confirmed that the voice note received on Ranveer Singh's manager's WhatsApp bore Harry Boxer's voice.Officials are currently gathering further evidence in the case. According to the crime branch, the voice note was sent after the firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence. The threat was sent to Ranveer's manager's mobile number following the firing at Rohit Shetty's house. After the threat surfaced, security around Ranveer Singh was tightened. The crime branch has recorded the statement of his manager and is continuing the investigation. Police have not yet registered an FIR in the matter, but have initiated a preliminary inquiry. (With inputs from IANS)
20 February,2026 06:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShilpa Shetty’s husband, Raj Kundra, has found himself in hot waters again. The actor-cum-businessman appeared at the court for a hearing in the Ponzi Bitcoin scam case. Last month, the special PMLA court had issued summons to Raj Kundra and New Delhi-based businessman Rajesh Satija. Now, the actor has finally got bail in the matter. Raj Kundra gets bail in Bitcoin scam case Raj Kundra has been granted bail by a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Mumbai in the Rs 150 crore Bitcoin scam case. The PMLA court has asked Kundra to provide a surety of 1 lakh rupees. The court has further instructed the businessman to take prior permission in case he wishes to travel out of the country. Speaking to reporters after getting bail, he said, “If you have done nothing wrong in life, you are bound to get relief… All is good… Satyamev Jayate…” The special judge for cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, R. B. Rote, had in January issued a summons to Kundra after taking cognizance of a charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate in the case. Kundra appeared before the court and filed a bail plea, which the court allowed. His lawyer, Prashant Patil, submitted that Kundra had cooperated with the ED's investigation since 2021. The court, while taking cognizance of the charge sheet, had said that the statements of witnesses and other evidence "prima facie show" that Kundra and Dubai-based businessman Rajesh Satija were involved in an offence punishable under the PMLA. About the case Kundra allegedly received 285 Bitcoins from the alleged mastermind of the Gain Bitcoin Ponzi scam, Amit Bhardwaj, for setting up a Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine. As the deal did not materialise, Kundra was still in possession of 285 Bitcoins, presently valued at more than Rs 150 crore, the ED claimed. As per the charge sheet, Kundra claimed to have acted only as a mediator, but did not provide "any underlying documentary evidence to prove the same." An agreement titled "Term Sheet" was signed between him and Amit's father, Mahendra Bhardwaj, and hence, Kundra's claim of being only a mediator was not tenable, the charge sheet said. Despite having multiple opportunities since 2018, Kundra failed to provide the wallet addresses where the 285 Bitcoins were transferred. Kundra was also seen as one of the contestants in Prime Video's reality show The Traitors. However, he was eliminated on Day 2. His most recent release was the Punjabi drama Meher, in which he was seen sharing the screen with Geeta Basra for the first time.
20 February,2026 05:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAnubhav Sinha’s Assi, starring Taapsee Pannu in the lead, was released in theatres today. The film features an interesting ensemble cast and narrates a hard-hitting take on violence against women set in the capital city. Amid the film's release, Sinha spoke about the pressures of the box office and how it shapes a film’s perception. The filmmaker feels that the obsession with numbers has gone too far. He said that if it were up to him, he would not reveal the numbers of his film, whether good or bad. Anubhav Sinha on box office pressures Anubhav Sinha, in an interview with Screen, said that box office numbers are just good gossip and he hopes that people do not take Assi's numbers seriously. “The numbers are good gossip. I hope the audience gets it. They don’t understand what’s gross worldwide, gross India, and net India. They don’t know the producer gets less than 50% of the reported figure. Rs 400 crore, Rs 700 crore and Rs 800 crore are all very aspirational figures, no? But I hope the audience doesn’t take these numbers seriously,” he said. The filmmaker further said that if it were up to him, he would not release box office numbers, whether good or bad. He added that while it is not entirely in his control, he will fight for the film to not release posters flaunting box office numbers and star ratings. “If I could, I wouldn’t announce my numbers, no matter how good or bad. I don’t think I can stop it. I’ll do my best. I’ll fight tooth and nail to not release our film’s poster with all the star ratings. But sometimes, you get overwritten,” he said. About Assi Based on harrowing everyday news, Anubhav Sinha’s Assi is a film that makes us confront the uncomfortable truth we often run away from. Alongside Taapsee, the film features Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, with special appearances by Naseeruddin Shah, Supriya Pathak, and Seema Pahwa, further elevating the film’s thrilling depth. In a statement, director Anubhav Sinha earlier said, “For me, my film has to hit the core of the story. With Assi, it felt like a loud thud exactly where it should. That impact compelled me to make this film. The story draws from everyday news, realities we often choose to ignore. To tell a story like this, Taapsee is a natural you just take her there and she delivers her best. And with Bhushan Kumar backing a film like Assi, we know we’re striking the nail in the right corner.”
20 February,2026 05:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMrunal Thakur and Dhanush were rumoured to be dating. The rumours began circulating in the second half of 2025. Earlier this year, it was also reported that Mrunal and Dhanush would be tying the knot in February. However, Mrunal dismissed the rumours during the promotions of her film Do Deewane Seher Mein. Now, in a recent interview, Mrunal called herself a big fan of the Raanjhanaa actor. She also expressed her wish to work with him in the future. Mrunal Thakur on inviting Dhanush for Son of Sardaar 2 screening Rumours of Mrunal and Dhanush dating surfaced when Mrunal invited Dhanush for the screening of her film Son of Sardaar 2 in Mumbai. The actor attended the screening and was warmly welcomed by the leading actress of the Ajay Devgn-starrer. During an interview with Mirchi Plus, Mrunal said that she is a big fan of the south star. “After watching Raayan, Maari, Raanjhanaa, Captain Miller, and Asuran, I am a big, big fan of him. I can watch Asuran multiple times. He is such an institution, and it takes so much for an actor to bring out performances from others too. He is a fantastic lyricist, writer, dancer, actor, director- what not.” Talking about inviting him to the screening, Mrunal said that he was in the city shooting for his film Tere Ishk Mein. “It so happened that while he was shooting for Tere Ishk Mein, I just said, ‘Sir, can you please come for the screening of Son of Sardaar?’ I didn’t know he would come. And he just came, and I was so happy. I was like, this is really sweet. I really wish to work with him one day,” she said. Mrunal on rumours of wedding with Dhanush For some time, Mrunal has been linked with Dhanush, and it was also reported that the two were set to get married on Valentine’s Day. Before the day arrived, Mrunal clarified in an interview that none of it was true. In an interview with Galatta Plus, she was asked if she had plans to get married soon. Addressing the ongoing rumours about her alleged wedding with Dhanush, she said, “Me? No. I think February 14 is going to be like April 1 — April Fools’ Day. I don’t know who started this. First of all, I’ve been quoted, but I never said anything. And they just said, ‘Mrunal said so.’ I was like, wow, how beautiful. It’s scary.” Rumours about their close bond began circulating after the two were seen holding hands at a party in Mumbai. In a video shared on social media, the actress was also seen whispering something in Dhanush’s ear, which made him smile. The 42-year-old actor reportedly flew from Chennai to Mumbai to attend the screening of Mrunal’s film Son of Sardaar 2, grabbing attention as he is known to rarely make public appearances.
20 February,2026 05:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTwo films into the industry, actor Shanaya Kapoor is enjoying her fair share of popularity and acclaim. However, the start wasn't as smooth for her. Shanaya was initially set to make her debut with Dharma Productions’ Bedhadak; however, the film was eventually shelved, leaving her waiting for her debut. Eventually, she made her big-screen debut alongside Vikrant Massey in Santosh Singh’s romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. The actress now opened up about how her shelved debut affected her. Shanaya Kapoor on her shelved debut During a recent interview with Screen, Shanaya revealed that she is now grateful for how things unfolded the way they did. She said, Shanaya said, “I feel everything happens for a reason. What’s meant to be will be. I’m glad about the whole experience now that I sit here and look back at it. It’s shaped who I am today. The film getting shelved, and certain projects happening and then not happening, made me who I am today. It made me work on my craft much more during the time I wasn’t facing the camera.” The actress added how her father, Sanjay Kapoor, always encouraged her to stay focused on her craft and not the circumstances. “So what’s in your hands is that you can keep working and make yourself a better performer, a better actor. Working with a director like Bejoy sir, an actor like Adarsh (Gourav), and with Aanand L Rai sir backing a project I’m a part of makes you overwhelmed and helps you understand that the universe had its own plans and that it was supposed to happen the way it did,” Shanaya Kapoor added, while referring to her latest release, Tu Yaa Main. Shanaya Kapoor's career For the unversed, Shanaya started her journey in the film industry working as an assistant director on Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, starring Janhvi Kapoor. She was initially set to debut alongside Lakshya and Gurfateh Pirzada in Dharma Production's Bedhadak, which was later shelved. Shanya then made her acting debut with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan opposite Vikrant Massey. However, the film failed to perform well at the box office. She was most recently seen in Tu Yaa Main, alongside Adarsh Gourav. The survival thriller directed by Bejoy Nambiar and produced by Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma and Vinod Bhanushali, is a remake of the 2018 Thai film The Pool. The film received mixed reviews and opened to a slow start at the box office.
20 February,2026 05:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Rajkummar Rao recently took to Instagram to wish his wife Patralekhaa a heartfelt happy birthday. This birthday is special for the actress as she also embraced motherhood. Sharing a series of adorable pictures from their travel diaries, Rajkummar described her as the “best partner,” lauding her as an incredible wife, mother, and daughter. Rajkummar Rao’s birthday wish for Patralekhaa Actor Rajkummar Rao extended heartfelt birthday wishes to his wife, Patralekhaa, and shared a series of pictures of her along with a few cherished moments of the two together. The actor penned an emotional note expressing his love and gratitude for his wife. "Happy birthday, my love. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. You are the heart of our home. Parvati and I are so lucky to have you in our life. The best partner, the best mother, and the best daughter. Here's to your dreams, your strength, and the most incredible woman you are. Happy birthday. God bless you patralekhaa," he wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by RajKummar Rao (@rajkummar_rao) Soon after he shared the post, several members of the film fraternity took to the comments section to extend their wishes to Patralekhaa. Tahira Kashyap, Aparshakti Khurana, Dia Mirza, Bhumi Pednekar, Soha Ali Khan, and Katrina Kaif shared their greetings in the comment section. Rajkummar and Patralekhaa’s love story Rajkummar and Patralekhaa tied the knot on November 15, 2021, in an intimate ceremony in Chandigarh attended by close friends and family. The couple first shared screen space in the 2014 film CityLights, which marked Patralekhaa's Bollywood debut. The duo embraced parenthood last year with the birth of their baby girl, Parvati Paul Rao, in November. They announced the arrival of their daughter on their fourth wedding anniversary, November 15. Rajkummar's upcoming movies On the professional front, Rajkummar will next be seen in Nikam, a film based on the life of noted public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The Stree actor wrapped up shooting for the project in November last year. He is simultaneously preparing for Sourav Ganguly’s biopic. Apart from acting, the actor is also busy working as a producer. A few months ago, Rajkummar and his wife Patralekhaa launched their own production house, KAMPA Film. He will star in the film Toaster from his maiden venture, which also features Sanya Malhotra.
20 February,2026 04:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActor Rajpal Yadav, who was recently granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court from Tihar jail in the Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case, continues to make headlines as newer developments in the case emerge. A complaint was reportedly filed against him by businessman Madhav Gopal Aggarwal. Now, the actor's lawyer has shared insights into the case. Interestingly, Bhaskar Upadhyay, the lawyer, revealed that the case originated after an incident involving actor Amitabh Bachchan. Rajpal Yadav's lawyer says his arrest has an Amitabh Bachchan connection Bhaskar told Hindustan Times that Madhav had loaned Rs 5 crores to Rajpal Yadav for his film Ata Pata Laapata, wherein both of them had signed an agreement followed by three supplemental agreements till August 2012. According to the latest document, Rajpal had issued five cheques to the businessman, which had to be cashed starting from December 2012. However, it was the music launch of the film, which took place back in September 2012, that started the current lawsuit. “In September, Amitabh Bachchan stepped in for the film’s music launch, and the complainant wanted to share the stage with him. Rajpal’s team said no to that as Mr Bachchan wasn’t taking any favours for his presence, and the complainant got annoyed by that. He moved to the Delhi HC in September 2012 on the basis of that agreement, asking for a stay on the film until his dues were cleared. The case was dragged till December 2012 when he deposited the first cheque of Rs 60,60,350, which was honoured,” Bhaskar revealed. The lawyer further stated that eventually Madhav deposited an undertaking asking to take off the stay from the film, following which both parties entered into a consent agreement in 2013. He claims that, according to the new consent agreement, all previous agreements were to be null and void. “A fresh consent decree was passed in 2016, and as per law, it is unchallengeable by either party. The amount of ₹10.40 crores was due as per that. The complainant signed an undertaking that previous agreements will not be revived if the said amount is returned to them. The HC also said that the recovery of this money should only be done by way of execution,” the lawyer shared. Rajpal Yadav's lawyer about the ongoing lawsuit The execution petition was reportedly filed in 2016, and Rs 1.90 crores were paid to the complainant. For the remaining amount, another guarantor, Mr Anant Dattaram, had come on board. However, the complainant allegedly refused to take the surety. Bhaskar adds, “He offered his property valued at Rs 15 crores as surety for him, asking for one month's time to return the amount. Surprisingly, the complainant refused to take this and asked for Rajpal ji’s imprisonment for the satisfaction of the decree. The execution stated this in writing and added that since no other mode of execution is suggested, the execution was closed." However, revealing an anomaly, Bhaskar shared, “While the execution case was going on, the complainant revived the cheques from the third supplementary agreement, which was to be nulled after the consent agreement. In March 2018, based on that old agreement, the trial court convicted Rajpal ji and issued a fine of Rs 11.5 crores. And then in November 2018, the execution court sentenced Rajpal ji to three months' imprisonment for the same cause of action. But both can’t go parallel.” Rajpal’s team reportedly challenged that order in 2019 in the revision court; however, there was a new counsel on board who caused a blunder, according to Bhaskar. “The new judge said they didn’t find any merit, and the counsel for Rajpal ji admitted that, then they are ready to pay the amount if given a chance for mediation. And the court wrote this in their observation,” Bhaskar informs, adding that due to that, the case is still going on, and as per the latest development, they have asked the court to listen to their side as well and take the case on merit.
20 February,2026 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPriyanka Chopra started her career in Indian films in the early 2000s and carved a niche for herself. However, the concepts of nepotism, lobbying, and camps affected her career, and the diva has been vocal about being denied opportunities in Bollywood. With her sheer perseverance, she has now made a mark in Hollywood as well. In a recent interview during The Bluff promotions, the actress recalled how she was pushed to look for opportunities outside of Hindi cinema because she felt limited here. Priyanka Chopra on leaving Bollywood In a recent interview with Firstpost, Chopra reflected, “I don’t think I ever wanted to leave Bollywood. I felt limited for many reasons when I was working in Hindi films. I was being pushed into… I was looking for opportunities that felt exciting to me as an artist, and I ended up working in America. After 12 years, I am finding the momentum in choosing work.” She then mentioned how she is excited to make her comeback with SS Rajamouli’s epic saga. The actress said, “But at the same time, I love my work in India. I am really excited to be doing Varanasi in India again. I would hate to have to choose between the two. I straddle both worlds, and I enjoy working in both industries. They are both different in many ways, just as cultures are, but now my brain can work in two different ways, so it's really a unique, amazing, fun thing to be able to do." Priyanka Chopra on her Hollywood struggles A few days back, PeeCee was one of the guests at Harvard University, where she shared her experience of working in Hollywood. She recalled waiting on set for 15 hours with no shot in a day, just because she was striving to build a legacy. “I was dealing with a lot when it came to my work back in India, and I was trying to survive. I think my goal was: I want to have a legacy. And that’s the only way I could wake up every morning and go through the small role that I had to do, and a triple-banger trailer, which has three actors in one trailer.” The actress continued, “And wait for like 15 hours and not get shot that day. Those are things I hadn’t experienced in my career back home. And I was okay to do it every morning because I was like, ‘I’m going for the long term. I’m going for that legacy.’” Talking about her comeback, her first look as Mandakini from Varanasi is out. The film also stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in pivotal roles and is set for an April 2027 release.
20 February,2026 04:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMusic composer A.R. Rahman on Friday assured the Supreme Court that he would acknowledge the song Veera Raja Veera, featured in the Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan II, as being inspired by the traditional composition Shiva Stuti of classical vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar’s family. A R Rahman agrees to give credit to Dagar Brothers Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahman, informed the apex court that the composer had agreed, as an interim arrangement, to acknowledge the performance of the late Ustad N. Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad N. Zahiruddin Dagar — popularly known as the Junior Dagar Brothers. He clarified that the concession was made "without prejudice" to Rahman's rights and contentions in the main civil suit pending before the Delhi High Court. Recording the submission, a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi directed that the modification in the song credits be reflected across all social media and OTT platforms within five weeks. The CJI-led Bench made it clear that the civil suit will proceed on its own merits and would not be influenced by any observations made during the present proceedings. With these observations, the Supreme Court disposed of the special leave petition (SLP) filed by classical vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, challenging the Delhi High Court order that had set aside an earlier single-judge injunction against Rahman and other defendants. During an earlier hearing, the CJI Surya Kant-led Bench had observed that the Dagarvani tradition has made an unparalleled contribution to Indian classical music and suggested that some form of acknowledgement could be considered instead of entering into "legal niceties". About the case Renowned classical vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar had alleged that the song Veera Raja Veera from Ponniyin Selvan II is inspired by his family’s traditional composition Shiva Stuti. In a judgment passed on September 24, 2025, a division bench of Justices C. Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla of the Delhi High Court had held that there was no prima facie material to establish that the Junior Dagar Brothers were the authors or composers of "Shiva Stuti", and had vacated the interim directions, including the order to deposit Rs 2 crore and to modify the song credits. The Delhi High Court drew a clear distinction between a performer’s rights and authorship, observing that "mere performance or fixation of a musical piece does not, by itself, confer copyright in the underlying composition". Aggrieved by the setting aside of interim relief, Wasifuddin Dagar has now approached the Supreme Court, seeking restoration of recognition and protection of the moral and copyright interests of the Junior Dagar Brothers.
20 February,2026 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
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