'Dacoit': Rajiv Rai confirms permission for 'Tu Cheez Badi...' use
What's the story
The teaser for the Hindi version of Dacoit: Ek Prem Katha was unveiled on Thursday, December 18. It received positive feedback, especially for its use of the iconic song Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast from Mohra (1994), directed by Rajiv Rai. Rai, who's known to have taken legal action over illegal use of his songs, recently confirmed that he gave permission to the Dacoit makers. The original track was composed by Viju Shah.
Permission granted
Rai confirmed there's 'no breach of contract'
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Rai said, "It's legitimate. There's no breach of contract. I have given them the permission. They have paid me for it as well." "They were negotiating with my legal team for the last 2-3 months. So, the whole process was very clear and clean." "There's no issue there. People may think that there's an issue as I always take objection!" "However, I take objection when they do it without consent."
Professionalism acknowledged
Rai praised 'Dacoit' makers for their conduct
Rai also praised the Dacoit team for their professionalism. He said, "The makers of Dacoit were very good to me." "I also got a call from Annapurna Studios; Supriya Yarlagadda, Nagarjuna's niece, spoke to me." The director added, "They are very well-behaved people. They went about it in a proper way."
New partnership
Rai's recent collaboration with Aryan Khan
Rai recently also gave the rights to his song Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela from Gupt (1997) for a crucial scene in Aryan Khan's Netflix series The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. He revealed that Shah Rukh Khan had requested his permission, saying, "It's my son's first show." "He was very polite and respectful. He's a gentleman; how can you say 'No' to him?" "Also, it was for his son. I didn't blink an eyelid. I told him, 'Take whatever you want!'"
Recent legal controversy
Rai's legal action against Dharma Productions over unauthorized song use
Meanwhile, Rai's Trimurti Films recently filed a lawsuit against Namah Pictures, Dharma Productions, Saregama, and Badshah over the alleged unauthorized use of the song Saat Samundar Paar in Tu Meri Main Tera's teaser. The 1992 Vishwatma track was used without permission from its original producer, claims the petition. Starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday, Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri is set to release on Christmas.