NewKerala.com

Key Points

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted an injunction against A R Rahman's song Veera Raja Veera in a copyright dispute. Ustad Faiyaz Dagar claims the track borrows from his family’s composition Shiva Stuti. Rahman must deposit Rs 2 crore as part of court procedure, though the stay doesn’t reflect case merits. The final hearing is scheduled for May 2025.

Key Points: A R Rahman Wins Stay in Veera Raja Veera Copyright Case

  • Court stays injunction on Veera Raja Veera
  • Rahman must deposit Rs 2 crore as procedural compliance
  • Dagar claims melody derived from Shiva Stuti
  • Final hearing set for May 2025
2 min read

A R Rahman's appeal leads to stay on copyright case over Veera Raja Veera

Delhi High Court stays injunction on A R Rahman's Veera Raja Veera after Ustad Faiyaz Dagar's copyright claim over Shiva Stuti.

"The requirement to deposit Rs 2 crore is procedural, not merit-based. - Delhi High Court"

New Delhi, May 6

The Delhi High Court's division bench on Tuesday stayed an interim injunction granted to classical singer Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar in his copyright infringement lawsuit against music composer A R Rahman and the producers of Ponniyin Selvan 2.

Dagar claims the song Veera Raja Veera is derived from his composition Shiva Stuti.

The appeal was reviewed by Justices C. Hari Shankar and Ajay Digpaul. Meanwhile, Rahman must deposit Rs 2 crore as per the single judge's order, though the court clarified that the requirement is procedural, not based on merit.

Final hearing in the matter is now scheduled for May 23, 2025.

Earlier, Justice Prathiba M Singh ruled that Veera Raja Veera was identical to Shiva Stuti, originally composed by the late Junior Dagar Brothers, despite lyrical changes and modern elements. Dagar, heir to the original composers, sought to prevent its use, arguing the melody and rhythm remain unchanged.

He claims exclusive rights to his family's compositions through an arrangement with legal heirs. Shiva Stuti, composed in the 1970s, was performed internationally, including at the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam in 1978.

The single judge ordered that Veera Raja Veera must credit Dagar's father, Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar, and uncle, Ustad N. Zahiruddin Dagar, as the original composers.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
As much as I love AR Rahman's music, we must respect the original creators. Classical music has deep roots in our culture and proper credit should be given where it's due. Hoping for an amicable solution! 🙏
R
Rahul S.
This is a complex case. On one hand, we have legendary classical musicians, on other hand Rahman who has taken Indian music global. The court should consider how much transformation was done to the original composition.
A
Ananya M.
The 2 crore deposit seems excessive! 😳 This is just procedural but still puts pressure on Rahman. The original composers deserve recognition, but let's not forget Rahman has given us countless musical gems over decades.
V
Vikram J.
Interesting how classical and film music intersect here. Many film songs are inspired by classical ragas - where do we draw the line between inspiration and infringement? This case could set important precedent.
S
Sneha P.
Both parties have contributed immensely to Indian music. Instead of fighting in court, they should collaborate! Imagine a fusion of Dagar's classical purity with Rahman's contemporary genius. That would be magical ✨
K
Karthik R.
The 2025 hearing date is too far! Such delays hurt both artists. Our judicial system needs reform for IP cases - justice delayed is justice denied, especially in creative fields where trends change rapidly.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50