Tips Music denies allegations by Puja Entertainment in legal dispute, calls claims ‘malicious’

MUMBAI: Following the court’s decision to grant interim protection to Puja Entertainment in its case against Tips Music over the alleged unauthorised use of Bollywood intellectual property rights, the music label has now released an official clarification on the matter.

Tips Music, on Thursday, shared a detailed statement on Instagram responding to the legal dispute linked to the music rights of several Bollywood films. In its statement, the company said that the formal copies of the court order are still awaited. The music label also added that it is the “lawful owner” of the music rights in question and claimed that these rights have been used “openly” and “legitimately” for nearly three decades.

“While formal copies of the order are awaited, Tips clarifies that it is the lawful owner of the music rights in question, supported by valid and binding agreements between the parties. Tips has openly and legitimately exploited these rights for nearly three decades in full compliance with applicable laws”.

The company also strongly denied the claims made by Puja Entertainment. In the statement, Tips Music called the allegations “malicious” and “misconceived” while saying that it remains confident about defending its rights in court.

“The claims made by PEIL are strongly disputed and appear to be malicious, misconceived, and intended to tarnish the reputation and goodwill of Tips. Tips remains fully confident in defending its rights before the appropriate courts and shall take all necessary legal steps to protect its interest and ownership of rights.”

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The legal matter is connected to films including ‘Coolie No. 1’, ‘Hero No. 1’, ‘Biwi No. 1’, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan’, ‘Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa’ and ‘Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai’. The matter also directly concerns the proposed release and exploitation of the film: ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai.’ The matter is currently under legal consideration and further court proceedings are awaited.

Earlier, film producer and Puja Entertainment founder Vashu Bhagnani welcomed the court’s decision granting interim protection to Puja Entertainment in its case against Tips Music over the alleged unauthorised use of Bollywood intellectual property rights.

Speaking about the case, Bhagnani called it a “victory” for their producers and shared how the issue started years ago over the rights of songs from his films.

“This is a victory for our producers… In 2018, I said, ‘It’s been many years since the movie’s release, so we want our rights back’… We got an email from the company (Tips Company)… Suddenly, one day, they said, ‘If you want music, take it from us… You are like a family’… My son went to them a couple of times, and they talked about this. In the meantime, we made Coolie No. 1 with David Dhawan and his family and had a lot of deals… They asked if I had the rights for ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ and other songs. I said, ‘Yes’… But Rohit and family said they will take time and not make this movie at that time,” Bhagnani said.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On the intellectual property rights for producers, Film Producer and founder of Puja Entertainment, Vashu Bhagnani, says, “…This is a very serious issue. When you make a film, the producer is the first to bring in money for the movie… in the… https://t.co/Pq3w2nRY9M pic.twitter.com/jDaPPcKpL6

— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2026

Bhagnani further alleged how the song ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ was later used and said he felt hurt over the situation, especially because of his close bond with the people involved.

Recalling how he was “pushed to go to court,” Bhagnani said, “One to one and a half years passed. Suddenly, our song ‘Chunnari Chunnari’ was launched, and it was shot with Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde. Immediately, Jackky called, and Rohit said that he was not involved in this… We talked to Varun, and he assured us that they are neither making Biwi No. 1 nor any of our movies”.

“He also said, ‘What can we do with this song? The producer asked us to make it.’ I said, ‘It’s wrong… He should have asked me if I had any problem with it… There was no discussion… How can an ethical person shoot my songs for someone else?… If some other director did this, I wouldn’t be hurt that much… My son Jackky, Varun Dhawan, and Rohit Dhawan have all grown up together… I was pushed to go to court… Today, I salute Javed Sahab. He wasted his 1-2 years… but changed everything for the production house so that they can get the royalties for so long…”

Talking about intellectual property rights and royalties, Bhagnani said the issue is very important for producers as they invest money in films and should continue to earn from their work in the future as well.

Calling it a “very serious issue,” he said, “This is a very serious issue. When you make a film, the producer is the first to bring in money for the movie… in the next 10 years, if I get music, video, or digital rights, I can earn royalties, which gives me a chance to come back home or at least keep my kitchen running… I want that through this, 50 or more producers should come with me and stand together, and the government, judge, or court should give a decision… that the producer should get royalties as well… I will follow the court’s order on this”. (ANI)