The storm around Bigg Boss 19 has gotten messier—and this time, it’s not about fights inside the house. The makers of the show are staring at a ₹2 crore copyright lawsuit after allegedly using two blockbuster Bollywood songs without proper licensing.
What Triggered the Legal Battle?
The controversy began when episode 11 of Bigg Boss 19, aired on 3 September 2025, featured the songs “Chikni Chameli” from Agneepath and “Dhat Tere Ki” from Gori Tere Pyaar Mein.
- These tracks are under the rights of Sony Music Entertainment India.
- Their performance rights are exclusively managed by Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), India’s oldest music licensing body.
- According to PPL, the show’s makers—Endemol Shine India—did not secure a public performance license under Section 30 of the Copyright Act, 1957.
On 19 September 2025, PPL served a legal notice through advocate Hiten Ajay Wasan, demanding ₹2 crore in damages and unpaid license fees.
Who Is Being Held Responsible?
The notice directly names Endemol Shine India directors:
- Thomas Gousset
- Nicolas Chazarain
- Deepak Dhar
PPL has accused the company of “wilful infringement”, which could escalate the case if taken to court.
A Case That Could Shake the Industry
If this lawsuit progresses, it could set a serious precedent for how Indian reality shows handle copyrighted material. For years, Bigg Boss has thrived on its mix of drama, celebrity presence, and music. But legal experts now argue that:
- OTT platforms like JioCinema/Disney+ Hotstar and TV broadcasters like Colors TV are equally accountable if content is streamed without rights.
- The fine isn’t just about money—it’s about setting an example that Bollywood’s music industry will no longer tolerate free-riding on their intellectual property.
A ₹2 Crore Lesson in Showbiz
This lawsuit could be a wake-up call for Indian television. In an era where Bollywood songs are central to audience engagement, producers cannot afford to “cut corners” on copyright. The irony? Bigg Boss contestants are punished inside the house for breaking rules—while the makers themselves might have broken one of the industry’s biggest rules outside it.
With Salman Khan at the helm, fans are glued to the drama on screen. But now, it’s the off-screen courtroom drama that could decide how freely Indian reality TV borrows from Bollywood.
By – Nikita