Badshah, Jacqueline's new track 'Genda Phool' accused of plagiarism
What's the story
If you thought horrible lyrics and compulsive male gaze were the only problems with Badshah's new track, Genda Phool, know that the story doesn't end there.
The rapper's latest track, also featuring Jacqueline Fernandez, is now facing plagiarism accusations.
However, the song continues to lead the popularity charts. It has already gotten 60 million hits on YouTube and is trending heavily.
Details
Bengali part of the song originally written by Ratan Kahar
The Bengali line, "Borlok er Bitilo, lomba lomba chul.....lal genda phool" which is featured extensively in Badshah's song, is taken from the song Boroloker Bitilo, which was originally penned by Ratan Kahar, a Bengali folk artist, in 1970s.
However, the Genda Phool video clip released by Sony Music India just mentions "Bengali Folk" alongside Original Lyrics category in the credits section.
Details
The song has been illegally used multiple times, said Ratan
In a documentary film, which was recently posted on YouTube, Ratan said that the song, which is pretty popular among Bengalis, has been used multiple times in different Bengali songs and other remixes, without him being credited.
Ratan, notably, adds that he does not have the money to sue Badshah or other artists who have used his work without permission.
Letter
Researcher writes to West Bengal CM in this regard
Now, according to a report in Pinkvilla, Arghya Bose, a doctoral researcher has written to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, demanding that Ratan be given his due credit.
"I write this mail to you hoping you will be able to act in favor of Mr. Kahar in this regard, and obtain for him the intellectual and material remuneration that's due to him," she wrote.
History
It's not the first time Badshah is in a soup
However, this isn't the first time that Badshah is embroiled in such a controversy.
Last year, in October, the rapper and composer duo Sachin-Jigar received much flak after they released the song Don't Be Shy Again as part of Bala's soundtrack.
Dr. Zeus, the original composer of the song, slammed them for failing to credit him.
After the controversy, Dr. Zeus was finally credited.