'Chikni Chameli' lands Salman Khan's Bigg Boss 19 in legal trouble!

The Salman Khan-hosted reality show Bigg Boss 19, known for its fiery clashes, high-voltage drama, and never-ending controversies, has now found itself at the centre of a legal storm. The show has been accused of using two popular Bollywood tracks - Katrina Kaif’s Chikni Chameli and Imran Khan’s Dhat Tere Ki - without proper authorisation

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Bigg Boss 19 Lands in Trouble!

According to a Mid-Day report , Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) has issued a legal notice to the makers of Bigg Boss 19. The notice claims that episode 11 of the show, streamed on September 3, featured the songs Chikni Chameli from Agneepath and Dhat Tere Ki from Gori Tere Pyaar Mein without obtaining the necessary permissions.

The complaint states that Endemol Shine India, the production company behind the hit reality series, failed to secure the “mandatory public performance licence” required for such usage. 

The notice, dated September 19 and served by advocate Hiten Ajay Wasan, has named Endemol Shine India’s directors - Thomas Gousset, Nicolas Chazarain, and Deepak Dhar - as liable parties.

Copyright Violation Allegations

A source from the legal team explained, “Both songs are licensed to Sony Music Entertainment India, one of the 450-plus labels whose public performance rights are exclusively managed by PPL. Since Endemol Shine India did not obtain a licence under Section 30 of the Copyright Act, 1957, the use of these songs amounts to a wilful infringement.”

PPL has demanded that the producers of Bigg Boss 19 pay Rs 2 crore in damages in addition to pending licence fees. Alongside, a cease-and-desist notice has also been issued to prevent further unauthorised usage of music from its catalogue. At present, neither Endemol Shine India nor streaming partner JioHotstar has issued an official statement on the matter. 

Firoz Nadiadwala Slaps Rs 25 Crore Notice

Interestingly, this controversy comes close on the heels of another high-profile legal battle. Producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala recently slapped a Rs 25 crore legal notice on Netflix and the makers of The Great Indian Kapil Show. The issue arose after comedian Kiku Sharda mimicked Paresh Rawal’s legendary character, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, from the Hera Pheri franchise without approval.

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Nadiadwala has alleged that this act constitutes copyright infringement under Sections 14 and 51 of the Copyright Act, 1957, as well as a trademark violation under Section 29 of the Trademarks Act. His notice demands the removal of the skit, a public apology, and written assurances to prevent such unauthorised depictions in the future.