Mahesh Bhatt apologizes for copying my song, Waris Baig

In a recent podcast interview, Pakistani singer Waris Baig revealed a surprising incident involving one of Bollywood's most prominent filmmakers, Mahesh Bhatt. The renowned Indian director apologized to Baig for copying one of his songs without permission and using it in the hit Bollywood movie Murder. This incident sheds light on the longstanding issue of uncredited use of songs from Pakistan in Bollywood films.

Waris Baig's Revelation

During the interview, Waris Baig spoke about how many of his songs have been copied by Bollywood filmmakers over the years. However, he singled out an incident involving Mahesh Bhatt, the director and producer of several blockbuster films. Baig revealed that his song was used without his permission in the film Murder, a movie that became a major success in India.

Mahesh Bhatt's Apology

Waris Baig disclosed that Mahesh Bhatt later realized the song he used belonged to a Pakistani artist and issued an apology. Baig stated that Bhatt was unaware of the origin of the song and had no knowledge that it was a Pakistani track when it was included in the film’s soundtrack.

Baig expressed that he appreciated Bhatt’s gesture of apologizing once he learned the truth, showing that there is room for ethical behavior even in the competitive world of entertainment.

Song Copying in Bollywood

The issue of song plagiarism, particularly involving Pakistani artists, is not new in Bollywood. Many Pakistani singers and composers have had their songs used in Indian films without proper credit or permission. Waris Baig mentioned that this was something he personally experienced, as many of his songs were copied in Bollywood films. The lack of regulations during that time allowed such practices to go unchecked.

Impact of Music Piracy Then and Now

Waris Baig pointed out how the system has changed over time. In today’s digital age, platforms like YouTube actively monitor and take down content that violates copyright laws. Baig noted that now, if someone copies a song, platforms like YouTube will send strikes to the offending party. However, in the era when Baig started his career, there was no such technology to safeguard artists' work.

This shift highlights how modern digital platforms are playing a role in protecting musicians and content creators from intellectual property theft.

Waris Baig’s Positive Attitude

Despite the unfortunate instances of his songs being copied without credit, Waris Baig maintained a positive attitude throughout the interview. He mentioned that he holds no grudges against those who copied his work. In fact, Baig expressed that he is proud that his music was influential enough to be used in Bollywood films, even if it wasn’t always done ethically.

Conclusion

Waris Baig's revelation of Mahesh Bhatt's apology for copying his song highlights an important issue of intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry. While music plagiarism was a common occurrence in Bollywood during the early years, times have changed, and artists now have more control and protection over their work. Waris Baig’s gracious attitude serves as a reminder that respect and acknowledgment between artists can pave the way for healthier collaboration between the entertainment industries of India and Pakistan.

FAQs

Q: Which song of Waris Baig was copied in the movie Murder?

A: Waris Baig did not specify the exact song in the interview, but he mentioned that it was included in the hit film Murder directed by Mahesh Bhatt.

Q: Did Mahesh Bhatt apologize for copying the song?

A: Yes, Mahesh Bhatt apologized to Waris Baig after realizing that the song belonged to a Pakistani artist and had been used without permission.

Q: Is Waris Baig upset about his songs being copied?

A: No, Waris Baig mentioned that he does not mind if someone copies his songs. He has a positive attitude towards the situation and appreciates the fact that his music was used in Bollywood films.

Q: How has the music industry changed in terms of protecting artists' rights?

A: Today, digital platforms like YouTube actively monitor for copyright violations and issue strikes against those who use content without permission. This system did not exist when Waris Baig started his career.

Q: Has this been a common issue for Pakistani artists in Bollywood?

A: Yes, many Pakistani artists have experienced having their songs copied in Bollywood films without proper credit or compensation.