Bala song 'Don't Be Shy' copyright war: Badshah responds to Dr Zeus

Rapper Badshah has put out a conciliatory tweet in response to rap composer Dr Zeus's allegation that the latest song from the film Bala (2019) used his 2004 song 'Don't Be Shy' without permission.

Badshah said he respects Dr Zeus and will see to it that the issues are resolved soon. 

Bala song ‘Don’t Be Shy’: Ayushmann, Badshah get in the groove

Badshah's tweet read, "I am aware of the situation around Don't Be Shy. I want to start by saying that I love and respect Dr Zeus paaji immensely and he knows it. He has the right to get angry with me because he’s my senior and I’ve learnt a lot from him. And he is the last person I’d want to go through something like this. I got on the song, which has been recreated by my dear friends Sachin-Jigar, only after making sure we had the necessary rights."

The tweet was in response to Dr Zeus's allegation that the makers of Bala's most recent song, 'Don't Be Shy', had ripped off the original without permission. The song, sung by Badshah and Shalmali Kholgade, has been composed by Sachin-Jigar. The song was released on 18 October. 

On the next day, Dr Zeus slammed the composers and makers of the film for remaking his song without permission. The British music composer threatened the makers with legal action, saying, "Are you guys taking the piss Sony Music India, Maddock Films, Badshah, Sony Music UK, Sachin-Jigar. When did you compose 'Don't Be Shy'? and 'Kangna'? ... Ya need to get original. My lawyers will be in touch."

This is not the first copyright infringement allegation levelled against the makers of Bala. The film itself is facing the same allegation from the makers of Ujda Chaman (2019), who are claiming that Bala is a copy of their script.

Directed by Amar Kaushik, Bala features Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar and Yami Gautam. The film is set for release on 7 November, a day before Ujda Chaman.