Once again, India’s Bollywood film industry has been accused of stealing a famous Pakistani song. This time Bollywood singer Neha Kakkar has re-recorded the OST “Bol Kaffara” originally from a Pakistani drama in her own voice for the film Ek Diwane Ki Deewaniyat. The song features Indian actress Sonam Bajwa and actor Harshvardhan Rane. This is not the first but the second instance of Bollywood lifting the same track. Previously, Indian singer Jubin Nautiyal had copied and included it in his music album.
Cross-Border Popularity of Song
Bol Kaffara was created in the Qawwali style for Pakistani drama. Due to the unique tune and charming lyrics, the song became popular not only in Pakistan but also in India and other countries. The fans loved the song and this popularity is probably the reason why Bollywood dared to steal it twice. Critics say it’s not just popularity but also an acknowledgement of the creative superiority of Pakistani music which Bollywood quietly embraces rather than directly acknowledges.
Social Media Backlash and Criticism
As soon as the new version was released, Pakistani users on social media expressed anger and disappointment. Users said that Bollywood likes Pakistani songs but they do not give credit to the real creators nor adhere to their rights. Many users made a joke, calling Bollywood a “copywood” while some said that it was not just the theft of music but was unfair to the hard work and identity of Pakistani artists.
Bollywood’s History of Borrowing
This incident is hardly new. Bollywood has a long history of lifting Pakistani songs without permission. Several tracks by renowned Pakistani singers especially Atif Aslam and popular Coke Studio compositions have been repeatedly copied or recreated in Indian films. Over time, this practice has become so frequent that many call it a “tradition.” Music experts warn that such behavior violates intellectual property rights and hampers genuine artistic collaboration between the two countries.
Opinions of Experts and Fans
Pakistani music experts and critics believe that the continuous plagiarism by Bollywood shows a lack of creativity and lack of innovation. According to him, if the Indian film industry really likes Pakistani songs, they should be included under permission and license. So that the original artists also get their right and recognition. On the other hand, common fans say that such actions are a violation of the hard work of Pakistani artists and can be harmful for Pakistani music on the international level.
The second theft of “Bol Kaffara” is a source of regret and anger for Pakistani artists and the public. The issue once again raises the debate that Bollywood is relying on Pakistani tunes for its film success, but instead of acknowledging them, it shows its ownership. The time has come for the Indian film industry to not only respect the creative rights but also give credit and compensation to the original artists so that an atmosphere of artistic respect and cooperation can be created between the two countries.
