The Supreme Court intervened decisively in the ‘Veera Raja Veera’ song controversy, compelling Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman to include credits for the iconic Junior Dagar Brothers in the hit track from Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan 2’. During Friday’s hearing, Rahman’s counsel conveyed the musician’s consent to acknowledge the influence of the classical ‘Shiv Stuti’ performed by the late ustads.
Appearing before Justices Suryakant, Joymalya Bagchi, and Vipul Pancholi, senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi highlighted Rahman’s respect for the Dagarvani lineage. The court mandated immediate updates to the song’s credits on all digital platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, and streaming services, to be implemented within five weeks.
Importantly, this directive maintains the sanctity of parallel proceedings in the Delhi High Court, where deeper factual and legal inquiries continue unabated. The SLP by Ustad Fayaz Wasifuddin Dagar stands dismissed, closing one chapter while the broader lawsuit persists.
Earlier, the top court had lauded the Dagar brothers’ legacy in preserving and propagating Hindustani classical traditions. This amicable nod to crediting traditional sources reflects a maturing approach to cultural heritage in Bollywood and regional cinema.
As ‘Ponniyin Selvan 2’ continues to dominate charts, this episode highlights the delicate balance between innovation and reverence in Indian music production, sparking discussions on fair practices for sampling ancient compositions.