Musical tussle deepens

Tips Music rejects Puja Entertainment’s allegations in Bollywood music rights dispute, calls claims malicious and legally unfounded 

The legal dispute between Tips Music and Puja Entertainment over the alleged unauthorised use of Bollywood intellectual property rights has intensified after Tips Music issued a public clarification denying all allegations made against the company.

The clarification came a day after the court granted interim protection to Puja Entertainment in the ongoing case involving music rights linked to several Bollywood films. In an official statement shared on Instagram on Thursday, Tips Music said it is still awaiting formal copies of the court order. The company maintained that it is the “lawful owner” of the music rights involved in the dispute and claimed the rights have been commercially exploited “openly” and “legitimately” for nearly three decades under valid agreements.

Tips Music further alleged that the claims made by Puja Entertainment are “malicious” and intended to damage the company’s goodwill and reputation. The music label said it remains confident of defending its ownership rights before the court and will take all legal steps necessary to protect its interests. The legal battle is connected to films including Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Biwi No. 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa and Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai. The dispute also concerns the proposed release and exploitation of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai.

Meanwhile, film producer Vashu Bhagnani welcomed the court’s interim relief in favour of Puja Entertainment and described the development as a “victory for producers”. Speaking to ANI, film producer Vashu Bhagnani said the issue began in 2018 when he sought to reclaim rights associated with songs from his films.

Bhagnani also alleged that the song Chunnari Chunnari was later used without proper discussion, which eventually pushed the production house towards legal action. 

He stressed that the case highlights the larger issue of royalties and intellectual property rights for film producers. Calling the matter “very serious”, Bhagnani said that producers invest heavily in films and should continue receiving royalties from music, video and digital rights in the future. He also expressed hope that more producers would unite on the issue and seek clarity through the courts. The matter is currently under legal consideration and further court proceedings are awaited.

Rights dispute over films

The case involves the music rights of films such as Coolie No. 1, Hero No. 1, Biwi No. 1 and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. The upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai has also become part of the legal dispute.

Tips Music calls claims malicious 

Tips Music stated that it legally owns the disputed music rights through valid agreements and accused Puja Entertainment of attempting to damage the company’s reputation through “misconceived” allegations.

Vashu Bhagnani welcomes relief

“This is a victory for our producers... In 2018, I said, ‘It’s been many years since the movie’s release, so we want our rights back’... We got an email from the company (Tips Company)... Suddenly, one day, they said, ‘If you want music, take it from us... You are like family’... My son went to them a couple of times, and they discussed the matter. In the meantime, we made Coolie No. 1 with David Dhawan and his family, and several deals were happening... They asked if I had the rights to ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ and other songs. I said, ‘Yes’... But Rohit and his family said they would take time and not make the movie at that point,” Vashu Bhagnani said.