'Jug Jugg Jeeyo': Karan Johar accused of copying Pakistani song
What's the story
Just a day after its trailer launch, Karan Johar's Jug Jugg Jeeyo has found itself mired in controversy. Pakistani singer Abrar Ul Haq has accused Dharma Productions of plagiarizing his song, Nach Punjaban, in the upcoming Hindi film. Haq added that it was the sixth time that his work has been lifted off sans credits, though it remains unclear if he specifically meant Bollywood.
Context
Why does this story matter?
One of the most anticipated films of the year, the family entertainer Jug Jugg Jeeyo intends to put a spin on usual Hindi family dramas. It marks the comeback of veteran actor Neetu Singh and the maiden collaboration between Varun Dhawan and Kiara Advani. Notably, Nach Punjaban was heard playing in the trailer of the Raj Mehta directorial slated to release on June 24.
Details
Singer threatened to move matters to court
An enraged Haq took to Twitter to slam the makers on Sunday. In a series of tweets, he wrote, "I have not sold my song Nach Punjaban to any Indian movie and reserve the rights to go to court to claim damages." Tagging Dharma Productions and Johar, he wrote the song hasn't been licensed to anyone, and producers like Johar should not copy songs.
Twitter Post
Take a look at Haq's tweet
I have not sold my song “ Nach Punjaban” to any Indian movie and reserve the rights to go to court to claim damages. Producers like @karanjohar should not use copy songs. This is my 6th song being copied which will not be allowed at all.@DharmaMovies @karanjohar
— Abrar Ul Haq (@AbrarUlHaqPK) May 22, 2022
Reaction
India-Pakistan came together on social media to support Haq
Soon after Haq's tweets were shared, they started spreading like wildfire, earning support from Pakistanis and Indians alike. Showing solidarity with the 53-year-old, a Twitter user wrote, "Please don't leave them this time. We are with you." Instagram users have also left angry comments on the production house's page, asking the makers to "give the singer his due credit" and "make your own songs."
Woes of plagiarism
Is 'Jug Jugg Jeeyo's core plot copied as well?
This isn't all. Shortly after Haq's statements spread online, the production house faced charges of stealing the basic plot for the multi-starrer film as well. A Twitter user named Vishal A Singh claimed that Dharma Productions has used his registered story, Bunny Rani, to make Jug Jugg Jeeyo. But he hasn't been given any credits. Singh has threatened to lodge a complaint soon.
Twitter Post
This is what Singh wrote on Twitter
Please read extract of the synopsis of #BunnyRani I had mailed to @DharmaMovies in Feb 2020. And then go on to watch the #JugJuggJeeyo trailer and judge by yourself. 🙏https://t.co/c4oxhOZH80 pic.twitter.com/etonIJ2DyT
— Vishal A. Singh (@Vishal_FilmBuff) May 22, 2022
Looking back
Johar being controversy's favorite child
This isn't the first time a Dharma Productions film has found itself being accused of cheating. His 2016 romantic flick Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, remembered for its multiple chartbusters, had found itself in hot waters, too. Several music aficionados had highlighted how Pritam Chakraborty's composition Bulleya sounded like a rip-off of Papa Roach's Last Resort. Meanwhile, Johar hasn't yet commented on the latest issue.