The evergreen Bollywood song “Saat Samundar Paar” has landed in a legal dispute, after the family of legendary lyricist Anand Bakshi raised objections to its alleged reworking in an upcoming film starring Kartik Aaryan. The controversy has once again put the spotlight on Bollywood’s growing dependence on remixes — and the fine line between creative reinterpretation and copyright violation.
What triggered the controversy
“Saat Samundar Paar”, originally featured in the 1991 film Vishwatma, was penned by Anand Bakshi and went on to become one of the most recognisable Hindi film songs of its era. Recently, a new song in a Kartik Aaryan film was released or promoted that, according to Bakshi’s legal heirs, borrows substantially from the original composition.
The Bakshi family alleges that the song has been adapted without proper consent or licensing, prompting them to seek legal recourse.
Anand Bakshi’s son speaks out
Reacting strongly, Anand Bakshi’s son questioned the need to reuse iconic works without authorisation or respect for the original creator.
“Why dishonour anyone’s work by altering it without permission?” he asked, adding that such practices undermine the legacy of artists who shaped Hindi cinema’s musical heritage.
He clarified that the objection is not against reinterpretation per se, but against doing so without following legal and ethical norms.
The legal angle
Under Indian copyright law:
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Lyrics are protected as literary works
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Rights remain with the creator or their legal heirs after death
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Any remake, adaptation, or derivative work requires explicit permission
The court will examine whether the new song:
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Is substantially similar to the original
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Qualifies as a derivative work
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Was created after obtaining valid rights
If violations are proven, the filmmakers could be directed to modify, remove, or stop using the song.
Bollywood’s remix problem
The case is part of a larger pattern in the Hindi film industry, where classic songs are frequently repackaged to appeal to younger audiences. While remixes help tap into nostalgia, critics argue they often:
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Dilute the original artistic intent
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Ignore the rights of composers and lyricists
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Prioritise commercial value over creative integrity
Several veteran artists and their families have previously raised similar concerns.
What this means for the film
Depending on the court’s ruling:
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The song may be pulled from the film
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The release could face delays
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Financial penalties or settlements may be imposed
The filmmakers have not yet publicly detailed their response to the allegations.
A broader debate
Beyond the courtroom, the dispute raises deeper questions:
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Who controls cultural classics in the age of remixes?
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Can nostalgia-driven cinema coexist with strong copyright enforcement?
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Should filmmakers invest more in original music rather than reworks?
As Bollywood continues to revisit its musical past, such legal challenges may become more frequent.
What lies ahead
The court proceedings will determine whether the new version crosses the line from inspiration to infringement. Until then, Saat Samundar Paar stands as a reminder that even timeless hits are bound by modern copyright law.
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