'Tu Meri Main Tera...' lands in legal soup, know why
What's the story
Filmmaker Rajiv Rai is reportedly upset with Dharma Productions and Saregama for using the opening beats of his 1992 chartbuster Saat Samundar from Vishwatma in the 2024 announcement promo of Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. Speaking to Mid-Day, he expressed disappointment over the unauthorized use of his film's music without his consent. "They can't use the beats like this, especially when nobody asked my permission to use them," he said.
Legal action
Rai's legal team to intervene in 'Tu Meri...' matter
Rai has instructed his legal team to inform Dharma Productions and Saregama about the unauthorized use of Saat Samundar's beats. He said, "What has happened here is that Saregama thinks it owns the music of Vishwatma." "The label can use the songs [for TV shows and stage performances], but it cannot take the music from my film and put it in another movie."
Compensation demand
Rai demands compensation for use of 'Vishwatma' music
Rai also stressed that he must be compensated for the use of his film's music. He said, "They must approach me for my permission, pay me for it, and everything needs to be documented legally." The filmmaker added that his legal team will reach out to producer Karan Johar and request him to avoid using the track in the Christmas release, Tu Meri Main Tera... Notably, the beats don't appear in the recently released teaser of the film.
Previous experience
Rai's past experience with unauthorized use of his music
This isn't the first time Rai has dealt with unauthorized use of his music. He had a similar experience when Tip Tip Barsa Paani from Mohra was remixed for Sooryavanshi without his permission. "I took them to court. Since Karan Johar had produced it, he asked for a meeting with Rohit [Shetty, director] and me," he shared. "I was paid a settlement amount, and I then gave them permission to use the song."
Generosity
Rai's generous gesture with 'Gupt' song rights
Despite his past experiences, Rai has also shown generosity. He granted the rights of Duniya Haseeno Ka Mela from Gupt to Shah Rukh Khan for free. The song was later used in Aryan Khan's debut series, The Ba***ds of Bollywood. "It was for Shah Rukh's son. How could I refuse?" he had said at the time.