Phonographic Performance Limited India has issued a legal notice against Bigg Boss 19 makers for unauthorised use of Chikni Chameli and Dhat Teri Ki songs in episode 11. The organisation has demanded Rs 2 crore in damages
Salman Khan in ‘Bigg Boss 19’. Pics/Instagram, Youtube
Bigg Boss thrives on controversies raging inside the house. But this time, controversy has come knocking at the door of its makers. Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), India’s oldest copyright licensing organisation, has issued a legal notice to the producers of the Salman Khan-hosted reality show, alleging unauthorised use of copyrighted music. The organisation has demanded Rs 2 crore in damages and licence fees for the alleged infringement.
According to the notice, a copy of which is in mid-day’s possession, Bigg Boss’ ongoing 19th season used the songs, Chikni Chameli from Agneepath (2012) and Dhat Teri Ki from Gori Tere Pyaar Mein (2013), in episode 11 that streamed on September 3. PPL India accused Endemol Shine India, which backs the popular reality show, of using these sound recordings without securing the mandatory public performance licence. The notice, dated September 19, was served by advocate Hiten Ajay Wasan and names the production house’s directors — Thomas Gousset, Nicolas Chazarain, and Deepak Dhar — as responsible parties.
Stills from ‘Dhat Teri Ki’
A source from the legal team said, “Both songs are licensed to Sony Music Entertainment India, one of the 450-plus music labels whose public performance rights are exclusively administered by PPL. PPL argues that because Endemol Shine India did not obtain a licence under Section 30 of the Copyright Act 1957, the use amounts to a ‘wilful infringement’.”
The organisation has not only called upon the show’s producers to pay Rs 2 crore in damages, along with the requisite licence fees, but also issued a cease-and-desist notice from using its sound recordings without authorisation.
Stills from ‘Chikni Chameli’
This is not the first time PPL India has taken legal action over unlicensed use of music. In 2011, the Bombay High Court had restrained event organisers and venues from using the organisation’s sound recordings without permission.
mid-day reached out to Endemol Shine India and JioHotstar, which didn’t respond till press time.
Sept 3
When the episode in contention was streamed
Founded in 1941, PPL India represents the public performance rights of India’s leading music companies, including T-Series, Sony Music, Universal Music, and Warner Music. Its catalogue covers over 70 lakh sound recordings across multiple Indian and international languages. Any venue, broadcaster, or event organiser wishing to play these recordings publicly must obtain a PPL licence.
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