Plagiarism Allegations Surface Against T-Series
Nearly a year after the release of Do Patti, music producer KMKZ publicly claimed that the instrumental beats used in “Raanjhan” were originally his creation. Taking to Instagram, he revealed that he had shared the beat online two years prior and only recently discovered its usage in the chart-topping track.
In his video statement, KMKZ said, “I produced the number one song in India, and I didn’t even know about it. I posted this beat two years ago, and someone recently recognized my piano work in the song, but I wasn’t credited anywhere. Instead, T-Series received all the recognition.”
Details of the Accusation
KMKZ emphasized that “Raanjhan” has amassed over 290 million streams on Spotify, solidifying its position as one of the most-streamed songs of 2024. Despite multiple attempts to contact T-Series, the composing duo, and the artists involved, KMKZ claimed he received no response. He alleged that:
The beat was allegedly copied directly from his YouTube upload.
He was neither credited nor compensated for his work.
The track achieved unprecedented success on the Indian Billboard charts without acknowledging his contribution.
He further stated, “There are countless stories of music producers being ripped off, but 300 million streams and a number one spot on Billboard is extreme. I DEMAND A PLAQUE.”
Raanjhan: A Chart-Topping Phenomenon
Released as part of Do Patti, a Netflix film directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi, “Raanjhan” quickly rose to fame across India. The romantic track became a favorite among audiences, topping multiple music charts and dominating streaming platforms. Its success has been credited to the captivating vocals of Parampara Tandon and the catchy composition by Sachet-Parampara.
Do Patti, which premiered on Netflix on October 25, 2024, features a stellar cast including Kajol, Kriti Sanon, and Shaheer Sheikh in lead roles, and the soundtrack has played a pivotal role in the film’s popularity.
Industry Reactions and Ethical Concerns
The allegations against T-Series have sparked discussions across the music industry regarding copyright ethics and proper crediting for music producers. Music enthusiasts and fellow artists have voiced concern over the lack of recognition and fair compensation for original creators. This controversy highlights ongoing issues surrounding intellectual property rights in the digital music era.
Experts note that plagiarism claims in the music industry often escalate due to viral success, as tracks like “Raanjhan” attract global attention. The debate underscores the importance of transparency, attribution, and respect for creative ownership.
The Role of Social Media in Music Controversies
KMKZ’s decision to address the issue via Instagram reflects a growing trend where independent artists leverage social media to bring attention to copyright disputes. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube have become instrumental in holding major labels accountable and giving independent creators a voice against large corporations.
What This Means for T-Series and the Music Industry
As one of India’s most influential music labels, T-Series now faces pressure from both fans and industry insiders to respond to the allegations. How the label addresses this issue could set a precedent for handling copyright claims in Bollywood and beyond. Transparency, prompt acknowledgment, and fair compensation could mitigate potential backlash, whereas ignoring the claims could damage the label’s reputation.
Conclusion
The plagiarism row over “Raanjhan” underscores the challenges faced by music producers in protecting their work while highlighting the power of digital platforms in exposing alleged copyright violations. While T-Series continues to dominate the Indian music scene, this controversy may serve as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with producing and promoting chart-topping music.
Whether KMKZ receives proper recognition remains to be seen, but the incident has already ignited important conversations about originality, credit, and fairness in the entertainment industry.
