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'I've stayed quiet for long enough': Hadiqa Kiani vows 'appropriate action' over illegal use of her songs

'I've stayed quiet for long enough': Hadiqa Kiani vows 'appropriate action' over illegal use of her songs

Her comments came after Indian singer Kanika Kapoor released a rendition of 'Boohey Barian' without crediting her.
30 Apr, 2022

Hadiqa Kiani has vowed to take "appropriate action" against parties that have "illegally claimed" her songs since the 90s following her criticism of Indian singer Kanika Kapoor's recently released and uncredited rendition of 'Boohey Barian'.

Kapoor released her version of 'Boohey Barian' on April 28 without crediting Kiani. The 'Jaanan' singer shared a screenshot of the music video on her Instagram story to discuss the matter and got very candid about how much it unsettled her. "Another day and another shameless rendition of the song my mother wrote. No one asked for my permission, no one has given me royalties, they just take the song that my mother wrote and I recorded, and use it as an easy money making scheme," she wrote in her long note.

Kiani's Instagram story, which alleged various instances of Bollywood appropriating her songs over the years, was widely shared on social media. Popular Indian social media platform Diet Sabya also shared a screenshot, prompting responses from various followers that claimed Kiani sold the rights to 'Boohey Barian' to Saregama India, the music label under which Kapoor released her rendition. Kiani replied to Diet Sabya's Instagram stories to rubbish those claims.

"No, they [Saregama India] don't [own the rights]," she said. "I have never sold rights to this song or any song on my Roshni album (1998). Many companies have illegally claimed my songs since in the 90s it was an easy thing to do but we are taking appropriate action to get justice not just for my songs but for the thousands of songs by Pakistani artists stolen during this time."

Kiani emphasised owning the rights to her entire catalogue on her own Instagram Stories as well. "I own all rights to 'Boohey Barian' and all songs on my album Roshni. My mother wrote the poetry. Anyone claiming they own my masters or rights is saying so illegally and my team is taking action. We have copyright documents dated from before Roshni came out, registered with full rights and ownership. No company or entity was ever given those masters and no company has any documents with my signature on it giving rights. I have stayed quiet for long enough," she said.

The singer thanked Diet Sabya and its following for their support from across the border. "I've stayed quiet when Bollywood first copied, then when the copies kept coming I stayed quiet because I had to force myself to find the flattery, it's not flattering though," she said. "It's unethical and illegal. I hope to speak more about this soon but working with my team right now."

In her previous stories, Kiani juxtaposed the callous appropriation of her songs with her own sensitivity towards using other people's work. "Almost every time I have covered a song, I have bought rights to the song, asked permission of the artist or paid loyalties to the artist because that is the ethical way to do things," she said.

Comments

SG Apr 30, 2022 12:25pm
Watch how this controversy dies the moment Bollywood throws a few $$$ at her.
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Abdur Razzaque Apr 30, 2022 01:06pm
Bring this issue to the govt. attention and take an action together officially.
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Sam Apr 30, 2022 01:10pm
She should pursue legal battle in US viz a viz intellectual property and copyright violation!
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Soniye tu auder te la Apr 30, 2022 01:13pm
Hire a local Indian lawyer in Mumbai who works with celebrities on probono basis. It would require contacts in India.
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FO Apr 30, 2022 01:17pm
@SG as it should. That's the whole point. It's her right to get those $$$.
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Choudhary Shapal Qumar Apr 30, 2022 01:27pm
@SG well yes... that is exactly what she is fighting for.... Royalties. Duh?!
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HS Apr 30, 2022 01:47pm
@SG As if they will do any favor. She has the right to receive royalties if they are using her songs. Get yourself educated. But, what to expect when people like yourself represent India.
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You are art Apr 30, 2022 01:47pm
@SG Toiletless country shouldn’t be bragging about throwing money! Bollywood means copywood!
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Facts Apr 30, 2022 02:12pm
@SG she deserves the money for HER song . Isnt she?
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Arfa Khan Apr 30, 2022 02:34pm
International court should be used and all Pakistani copyright songs should be filed there.
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Texas Tariq Apr 30, 2022 02:53pm
I am so impressed by this wonderful lady, and disgusted by Bollywood cheap thieves who are only obsessed with making a quick buck. Such a low life thing to do for all including Kapoor. I would donate to her cause. Pakistan supports you Ms Kiyani
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SM Apr 30, 2022 02:54pm
@SG this is exactly what is saying. Pay royalties and use her songs.
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M. Saeed Apr 30, 2022 03:36pm
Bollywood mostly survives on copying ideas and plagiarism.
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Janie Apr 30, 2022 06:37pm
a level statistics tuition
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Alpha CH Apr 30, 2022 06:54pm
@SG she deserves to get paid for her creative work. Reflects a low mindset to think somebody throws money to compensate for someone’ s hard work
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Ahsan Gul Apr 30, 2022 07:18pm
Case should put initiated for copy rights in the international court. Bollywood should take an independent investigation for this stealing too to keep honor. Sincerely
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Khan Apr 30, 2022 07:48pm
What can you do my dear?
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Apr 30, 2022 07:59pm
She is 100 percent right.
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Majid Apr 30, 2022 08:27pm
@SG. Your response exactly represents Indian toilet-less & talentless mentality.
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Pops Apr 30, 2022 08:38pm
@Texas Tariq I am Indian and would whole heartedly support her. She is the best and if such talent is not protected and compensated, the future of great music is at risk. You go girl. Take on the fight. All proper minded people are with you.
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Pops Apr 30, 2022 08:41pm
@SG What a stupid comment at every level. Did you even read the article? She should get what is due to her. And Bollywood is not a person that will throw money.
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AmjadKhan Apr 30, 2022 09:53pm
You have every right to take these music thieves to the court as they profit by theft.
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Arun May 01, 2022 04:29am
Indeed ,Bollywood should pay proper fees to use these songs.
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SKF May 01, 2022 08:52am
She did not mention Kanika Kapoor in her tweets. She do have Twitter, Instagram, fb accounts?
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Jason May 01, 2022 10:28am
This might be the only thing I agree with pakistan. The current lot of Kakkars, Kanikas and honey singhs have zero talent. They survive on either plagiarism or stringing 5 random words together and then repeating them. Bollywood cannot think beyond stupidity and remakes. The regional cinema in India is the saving grace. So I support ur artists receiving during credit or atleast these bollywood jokers not getting away with it.
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad May 01, 2022 01:12pm
@SG Joke of the century.
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Tanishq Miraqsam May 01, 2022 01:25pm
Wow..kudos Hadiqa for raising your voice against such practices that do not give the actual artist the due credits , royalties and praise for the original work..I totally understand your annoyed reaction on this issue..but while you and your "team" are at it why don't you take the first step and give credit for this song to the late AALAM LOHAR Ji who's actual original song " wajaan mariyaan bulaya Kai war main" you copied this tune.. ditto ..shall we take the first step?
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M. Saeed May 01, 2022 02:13pm
@Arun, thieves never pay income-tax on their loots!
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Ed May 01, 2022 11:52pm
@SG and that’s totally fine, it’s all about money and credit/royalties,?what’s wrong with that?
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Ahad Khan May 02, 2022 12:15am
Indians being thieves, typical.
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Hassan May 02, 2022 07:10am
@SG she has right to get money
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hussain farooqi May 02, 2022 12:48pm
hi,,, your my fabilous women actress singer
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hussain farooqi May 02, 2022 12:51pm
hi haddiqa
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Joythi May 05, 2022 02:37pm
@Tanishq Miraqsam Boohe bariyan is a folk song, Hadiqa is being dishonest when claims it be her original song.
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Joythi May 05, 2022 02:40pm
@Sam She will not take this to court because it is a folk song and she will lose and she knows that !!!
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