Bad news about singer AR Rehman, Bollywood industry gets a big shock.

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Major Setback for Bollywood: Delhi High Court Issues Interim Order Against AR Rahman in Copyright Case Over “Veera Raja Veera”

New Delhi, India — April 2025:
The Indian music industry was shaken this week as the Delhi High Court issued a significant interim order against legendary composer AR Rahman, following allegations of copyright infringement related to the popular song “Veera Raja Veera” from Mani Ratnam’s Tamil blockbuster “Ponniyin Selvan II.” The order, which has sent ripples through Bollywood and the wider music fraternity, comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the renowned Dagar family, custodians of the Dhrupad tradition in Hindustani classical music.

Background: A Song That Captivated Millions

“Veera Raja Veera,” composed by AR Rahman and featured in the epic historical film “Ponniyin Selvan II,” quickly became a chart-topper upon its release in 2023. The song, lauded for its grandeur and emotive power, was celebrated by fans and critics alike, further cementing Rahman’s reputation as one of India’s most influential contemporary musicians.

However, beneath the song’s success simmered a controversy that would soon come to the fore. The Dagar family, led by Padma Shri Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, alleged that “Veera Raja Veera” was not merely inspired by, but was a direct copy of their family’s revered composition “Shiv Stuti”—a piece deeply rooted in the centuries-old Dhrupad tradition.

The Lawsuit: Dagar Family’s Allegations

The lawsuit, filed by Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, accused AR Rahman and the film’s production company, Madras Talkies, of blatant copyright infringement. According to the petition, “Veera Raja Veera” bears an uncanny resemblance to “Shiv Stuti,” a composition created by the late Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar, both legendary figures in the world of Hindustani classical music.

The Dagar family argued that Rahman’s composition went beyond artistic inspiration and amounted to a near-exact replication of their original work, with only minor modifications. “This is not a case of mere inspiration or adaptation,” the petition stated. “It is a clear case of reproducing our composition without due credit or authorization.”

The Court’s Interim Order: A Landmark Ruling

On April 28, 2025, Justice Pratibha M. Singh of the Delhi High Court delivered a single-bench ruling that sided with the Dagar family’s claims. The court found that “Veera Raja Veera” was not just inspired by “Shiv Stuti,” but was, in fact, a direct copy with only superficial changes.

Justice Singh observed, “The impugned song is not merely inspired by the original composition. It is, in fact, a substantial reproduction of the Dagar family’s ‘Shiv Stuti’ with only minor alterations.” The court emphasized the importance of protecting original works under the Copyright Act, stating that even classical compositions, regardless of their age or genre, are entitled to full legal protection.

Court’s Directions to AR Rahman and Madras Talkies

The High Court issued several key directives as part of its interim order:

Amendment of Credits:

Financial Penalties:

Public Acknowledgment:

Protection of Classical Works:

Reactions from the Music Industry

The Delhi High Court’s verdict has sparked widespread debate within the Indian music and film industries. While some have expressed disappointment at the setback for AR Rahman, others have hailed the ruling as a much-needed affirmation of the rights of traditional and classical musicians.

Support for the Dagar Family

Many classical musicians and cultural commentators have welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as a long-overdue recognition of the contributions of India’s traditional music families. “For too long, classical musicians have seen their work appropriated without acknowledgment,” said renowned sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar’s daughter, Anoushka Shankar. “This ruling sends a powerful message that our heritage cannot be exploited without due respect.”

The AR Rahman Camp’s Response

Representatives for AR Rahman and Madras Talkies have so far refrained from making detailed public statements, citing the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings. However, sources close to Rahman have indicated that the composer is consulting with his legal team and is considering an appeal against the interim order.

A spokesperson for Rahman said, “AR Rahman has always respected the traditions of Indian music and has collaborated with classical artists throughout his career. We will review the court’s order in detail and take appropriate steps.”

Industry-Wide Implications

The case has also triggered introspection within Bollywood and the wider Indian music industry about the thin line between inspiration and plagiarism. Music producer Vishal Dadlani commented, “This is a wake-up call for everyone in the industry. We must ensure that due credit is given to original creators, especially when drawing from India’s rich classical heritage.”

The Dagar Family: Custodians of a Timeless Tradition

The Dagar family is synonymous with the Dhrupad tradition, one of the oldest surviving forms of Hindustani classical music. For generations, the Dagars have been revered for their dedication to preserving and promoting this ancient art form.

Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar, whose composition “Shiv Stuti” is at the heart of the current dispute, were among the most celebrated exponents of Dhrupad in the 20th century. Their legacy continues through their descendants, including Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, who has tirelessly championed the cause of Dhrupad both in India and abroad.

In a statement following the court’s order, Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar said, “This is not just a personal victory, but a victory for all traditional musicians who have dedicated their lives to their art. We hope this sets a precedent for greater respect and acknowledgment of classical music in popular culture.”

Legal Experts Weigh In

Intellectual property experts have described the Delhi High Court’s order as a landmark moment for copyright law in India. “This case underscores the importance of recognizing the rights of traditional knowledge holders,” said advocate Priya Mehra, a specialist in copyright law. “It also highlights that even adaptations or reinterpretations must be done with proper authorization and credit.”

The court’s insistence on both financial compensation and public acknowledgment is seen as a balanced approach that seeks to protect original creators while allowing for creative reinterpretation—provided it is done ethically.

What’s Next for “Veera Raja Veera” and “Ponniyin Selvan II”?

Following the court’s order, all digital and streaming platforms carrying “Veera Raja Veera” must update the credits to reflect the Dagar family’s authorship of the original composition. Failure to comply could result in further legal action or the removal of the song from these platforms.

For the makers of “Ponniyin Selvan II,” the ruling represents a significant setback, both reputationally and financially. However, it also offers an opportunity to set a new standard for ethical collaboration between mainstream and classical artists.

Broader Cultural Impact

The controversy has reignited discussions about the relationship between India’s classical and popular music traditions. While Bollywood has often drawn inspiration from the country’s rich musical heritage, this case serves as a reminder that such inspiration must be accompanied by respect, acknowledgment, and fair compensation.

Many hope that the ruling will pave the way for more meaningful collaborations between classical and contemporary musicians, where the contributions of all artists are recognized and celebrated.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Indian Music

The Delhi High Court’s interim order against AR Rahman and Madras Talkies marks a watershed moment for copyright protection in India’s music industry. As the legal proceedings continue, the case will likely serve as a reference point for future disputes involving the intersection of tradition and modernity.

For now, the message is clear: India’s classical music heritage is not just a wellspring of inspiration, but a body of work deserving of respect, protection, and rightful acknowledgment. As the industry absorbs the implications of this ruling, one hopes it will lead to a new era of creativity—rooted in both innovation and integrity.