The popular reality TV show Bigg Boss 19, hosted by Salman Khan, has found itself embroiled in legal controversy. The show’s producers, Endemol Shine India, are facing a ₹2 crore lawsuit for allegedly using copyrighted music without obtaining the necessary licenses. The complaint was filed by Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), which oversees public performance rights for over 450 music labels, including Sony Music India.
According to the notice, the issue stems from Episode 11 of Bigg Boss 19, which streamed on September 3. In that episode, two popular Bollywood tracks — Chikni Chameli from Agneepath and Dhat Tere Ki from Gori Tere Pyaar Mein — were reportedly used without authorisation. Both songs are licensed to Sony Music Entertainment India, making PPL the legal entity responsible for issuing performance licenses.
The notice, served on September 19 by advocate Hiten Ajay Wasan, identifies the show’s production directors—Thomas Gousset, Nicolas Chazarain, and Deepak Dhar—as responsible parties in the alleged infringement. PPL claims that Endemol Shine India failed to obtain the mandatory public performance licence under Section 30 of the Copyright Act, 1957, thereby constituting what they call a “wilful infringement.”
In addition to demanding ₹2 crore in damages, PPL has also issued a cease-and-desist notice, warning the producers not to use any sound recordings in future episodes without proper licensing.
As of now, neither Endemol Shine India nor streaming partner JioCinema has responded to the allegations.
This season of Bigg Boss follows the theme “Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar,” where contestants have greater decision-making power than Bigg Boss himself. On the entertainment front, Episode 12 marked the show’s first double eviction, with Nagma Mirajkar and Natalia Janoszek exiting the house. Remaining contestants include Gaurav Khanna, Ashnoor Kaur, Nehal Chudasama, Baseer Ali, Zeishaan Quadri, Neelam Giri, Tanya Mittal, Awez Darbar, Kunickaa Sadanand, Farhana Bhatt, and Shehbaz Badesha.
Bigg Boss 19 streams daily at 9 PM on JioCinema and airs at 10:30 PM on Colors TV. But now, the show may be facing more scrutiny off-screen than on it.
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