Kumar Taurani Breaks Silence on Legal Battle with Vashu Bhagnani Over Song Rights

In May 2026, producer Vashu Bhagnani initiated a legal case in Katihar, Bihar, alleging the unauthorized use of songs from his films. The dispute specifically centers on recreated versions of ‘Chunari Chunari’ and ‘Ishq Sona Hai’. Bhagnani contended that these tracks originated from his 1999 film, Biwi No 1, and that the makers of the 2026 film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai lacked the rights to use them. Conversely, Tips, a producer of the Varun Dhawan-starrer, asserted its full rights to the songs.

Kumar Taurani, alongside Ramesh Taurani, recently broke their silence on the issue during an interview with Komal Nahta. Kumar Taurani addressed the broader debate between producers and music companies regarding remixes and recreations, arguing against producers’ claims for royalty. He analogized it to buying an M.F. Husain painting: “Aapne paise leke mujhe maal de diya. Toh ab kiska maal hua? Suppose I buy an M F Husain painting for Rs. 1 crore. Tomorrow, I have the freedom to sell it off for Rs. 2 crores or even give it for hire. That is, someone can display the painting at their venue and I can charge Rs. 25 lakhs a month for the same. I paid the full amount to buy the rights and signed the contract. Then, why the objection?”

Regarding Vashu Bhagnani specifically, Kumar Taurani highlighted several points. He noted that while Bhagnani had given numerous interviews, Tips had maintained silence. Taurani pointed out that the contracts in question were signed 20-25 years ago, and Bhagnani had not raised any objections throughout those years. Furthermore, he questioned Bhagnani's decision to file the case in Katihar, Bihar, a court located 200-300 kms from Patna, when all contracts explicitly stipulated Mumbai as the jurisdiction for legal disputes. “Wahaan jaane ki kya zaroorat hai aapko?” Taurani queried.

Kumar Taurani revealed that Tips had received relief from both the High Court and Supreme Court, with Bhagnani now being directed to pursue any grievances in Mumbai. The legal battle has caused a personal rift, with Kumar stating, “No. Abhi thodi doori hai.” He expressed disappointment, noting their long-standing relationship, where Tips had initially brought Bhagnani into the industry and made their first films together, even encouraging him to produce independently with words like, “Akele banao, aage badho.”

Taurani further illustrated the inconsistency in Bhagnani's stance by recalling an earlier instance. He mentioned that Bhagnani had made the film Coolie No 1 in 2020, which was released directly on Amazon Prime Video. For this film, Bhagnani had used two songs from the original Coolie No 1, for which Tips were among the producers and held music rights. Bhagnani had approached Tips for a deal to use those songs, which they agreed upon, contrasting with his current legal challenge over other tracks.

What to watch: The ongoing legal proceedings and potential implications for music rights in Bollywood.

Editor's note: The draft thoroughly covers the legal dispute, the points raised by Kumar Taurani, and the personal history between the parties involved.