In September 2025, mid-day had reported that Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) had issued a legal notice to the makers of Bigg Boss 19 for using songs without authorisation (Stop the music, Boss, Sep 25). Now, another instance of alleged copyright infringement has led PPL — India’s oldest copyright licensing organisation — to file a criminal complaint against Endemol Shine India, which backs the reality show. The complaint alleges that multiple songs were played, without obtaining the mandatory performance licence, at the Bigg Boss 19 success party held on December 12, 2025, at Mercii in Santacruz.
Stills from ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘Desi Boyz’, and ‘Dus’
In its complaint lodged at the Santacruz police station, PPL has sought registration of an FIR under Sections 51, 63, and 69 of the Copyright Act, 1957, calling the alleged infringement wilful. The songs cited in the complaint include Make Some Noise (Desi Boyz, 2011), You Are My Soniya (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, 2001), and Dus Bahane (Dus, 2005). These tracks are owned by labels, including Super Cassettes Industries and Sony Music Entertainment India, whose public performance rights are administered by PPL.
Actor Gaurav Khanna was the winner of ‘Bigg Boss 19’
Confirming the development, advocate Hiten Ajay Wasan, legal consultant to PPL, said, “It has come to our attention that sound recording works are being utilised without proper authorisation. There appears to be reluctance among some to obtain the required licence, opting instead to use songs without permission. Consequently, we have lodged a formal complaint with the police regarding the unauthorised se of songs at the Bigg Boss success party.”
mid-day reached out to the team of Endemol Shine India, who refused to comment.
Bigg Boss success party
When?
December 12
Where?
Mercii, Santacruz
