MUMBAI: The Delhi High court has rejected Anandji Virji Shah’s plea to stay the release of Mahesh Bhupathi‘s debut Bollywood movie "Chalo Dilli".
Shah’s counsel had approached the court alleging copyright violations by the movie for remixing his song "Laila oh laila" from the 1980 film ‘Qurbani‘.
Justice Manmohan Singh has, however, issued a notice to the director and producer of "Chalo Dilli" -- seeking their response by 12 May.
Filing a civil suit, Anandji sought an order preventing the filmmakers from releasing any audio CD or DVD with the remix of the song.
Anandji who, along with brother Kalyanji formed the banner ‘Kalyanji-Anandji‘, also claimed damages of Rs 10 million from Eros International Media, the producer of "Chalo Dilli", saying the moviemakers should have taken his permission before remixing the song.
Anandji also argued that he was entitled to receive royalty for the remix of the song.
"It is shocking to find that the music composition contained in the song ‘Laila o laila‘ in the film Chalo Dilliis slavish and a distorted version", Anandji added.
"A separate licence/permission would be necessary from plaintiff (Anandji) in the absence of which there would be an infringement of Copyrights Act", he claimed in the civil suit.
The court has fixed 12 May as the next date of hearing in the civil case.
