Waris Baig Accuses Mahesh Bhatt of Song Theft

In the world of music, the issue of copyright infringement is a serious concern that often leads to disputes between artists. Recently, Pakistani singer Waris Baig brought to light an incident involving veteran Bollywood filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who reportedly “apologised” for using one of Baig's songs without permission in the popular movie ‘Murder’. This revelation has sparked discussions about the importance of respecting artists' rights and the challenges they face in protecting their work.

During a recent interview, Waris Baig shared that Mahesh Bhatt had copied his song for the film without initially knowing it was created by a Pakistani artist. Baig stated, “Mahesh Bhatt later apologised to me for the unauthorised use of the song.” This admission from Bhatt highlights a common issue in the entertainment industry, where the origins of a piece of music may not always be clear, leading to unintentional misuse.

Waris Baig further elaborated on his experiences, revealing that several of his songs have been copied over the years, primarily by Bollywood productions. He mentioned, “I don’t take offence if someone copies my songs,” indicating a level of understanding about the complexities of the music industry. Baig explained that during the time when his songs were being copied, there was no clear system in place to protect artists’ work. He noted, “Now YouTube sends strikes to those who copy, but back then, we had no such mechanism.” This statement underscores the evolution of copyright enforcement in the digital age.

The conversation around copyright and music is crucial, especially in an era where digital platforms have made it easier for artists to share their work but also easier for others to misuse it. Waris Baig's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and respecting the creative efforts of artists. As the music industry continues to evolve, it is essential for both creators and consumers to understand the value of original work and the need for proper attribution.

The incident involving Mahesh Bhatt and Waris Baig sheds light on a significant issue within the music industry. It emphasizes the need for better systems to protect artists' rights and the importance of respecting the creative contributions of others. As we move forward, it is vital for artists to advocate for their rights and for audiences to appreciate the hard work that goes into creating music.