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Renowned music composers Sachet-Parampara have publicly denounced fellow composer Amaal Mallik over allegations regarding their hit song “Bekhayali,” demanding a formal apology amid an escalating dispute that has captivated Bollywood’s music industry.
The controversy erupted when Mallik implied that “Bekhayali,” the chart-topping track from the 2019 blockbuster “Kabir Singh,” was plagiarized. The song, widely credited with catapulting Sachet-Parampara to fame in the industry, became one of the most streamed Indian tracks of that year and earned the duo several prestigious awards.
In a strongly-worded joint statement released Tuesday, Sachet Tandon and Parampara Thakur expressed their dismay at what they described as “baseless allegations intended to tarnish our professional reputation.” The composer duo emphasized that their creative process for “Bekhayali” was thoroughly documented and approved through all proper channels.
“We have worked tirelessly to establish ourselves in this industry through honest, original compositions,” the statement read. “To have our integrity questioned without evidence is not only hurtful but damaging to our professional standing.”
Industry insiders suggest this public dispute highlights the growing tensions over intellectual property rights in Bollywood’s music scene, where accusations of plagiarism have become increasingly common. The last decade has seen several high-profile cases where Indian composers faced scrutiny for alleged similarities to international tracks.
Music producer Rahul Sharma, who has worked with both parties but is not involved in the current dispute, told reporters, “The digital age has made these controversies more visible and consequential. Streaming numbers directly translate to revenue, so attribution and credit have become more contentious than ever.”
Mallik, who belongs to the prominent Malik music family and has composed for numerous hit films including “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story,” reportedly made the allegations during a podcast interview last week. While not explicitly stating “Bekhayali” was copied, his comments strongly insinuated that the composition borrowed heavily from existing work without proper acknowledgment.
The controversy has gained significant traction on social media platforms, with fans and industry colleagues taking sides. #JusticeForComposers began trending on Twitter as discussions about creative ownership in the industry intensified.
T-Series, the music label that owns the rights to “Bekhayali,” has remained notably silent on the matter. The company, India’s largest music label with over 200 million YouTube subscribers, has faced similar controversies in the past regarding the originality of compositions under their banner.
Music royalty expert Priya Mehta explains the financial implications of such disputes: “For a song like ‘Bekhayali’ that generated hundreds of millions of streams, the economic stakes are substantial. Beyond reputation, there are significant royalty implications if authorship comes into question.”
Sachet-Parampara’s legal representative confirmed they are considering further action if a public apology is not forthcoming. “My clients have maintained detailed records of their creative process for ‘Bekhayali’ and all their compositions. These unfounded allegations strike at the heart of their professional integrity,” stated attorney Vikram Desai.
Since their breakthrough with “Kabir Singh,” Sachet-Parampara have established themselves as one of Bollywood’s most sought-after composer duos, creating music for films like “Tanhaji” and “Shershaah.” Industry analysts note that their rise represents a shift toward composer teams gaining recognition as distinctive brand names in an industry traditionally dominated by solo composers.
As of press time, Amaal Mallik has not publicly responded to the demand for an apology. Sources close to the composer indicate he may address the controversy during an upcoming music launch event scheduled for this weekend.
The dispute emerges against the backdrop of India’s evolving music industry, which has seen radical transformation through streaming platforms and social media, creating both opportunities and tensions for creative professionals navigating questions of originality and attribution in the digital age.
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5 Comments
This seems like an unfortunate dispute between composers over creative ownership. While plagiarism allegations should be taken seriously, the details here suggest a more complex situation that warrants a measured response from all parties to resolve the issue professionally.
The allegations against Sachet-Parampara are serious, but their strong rebuttal suggests there may be more to this story. Plagiarism claims in the music industry can be complex, with potential issues around inspirations, samples, and licensing. I’ll be interested to see how this unfolds.
It’s understandable that Sachet-Parampara would feel their reputation is being unfairly attacked. Establishing an original, award-winning composition is a significant achievement in the music industry. I hope they’re able to provide the necessary documentation to address the allegations constructively.
This dispute highlights the challenges composers face in protecting their intellectual property. While the ‘Bekhayali’ song was a major hit, the backstory appears murky. I’m curious to learn more about the creative process and approval channels the composers claim to have followed.
As a music fan, I’m disappointed to see this public feud between the composers. Regardless of the merits, airing grievances through media statements rarely leads to a satisfactory resolution. I hope they can find a way to address this matter privately and professionally.