Why Bollywood's Theft of Pakistani Music Goes Unnoticed in India

When it comes to the relationship between Bollywood and Pakistani music, the line between appreciation and appropriation can be blurry. Many don't realize that Indian audiences and media often overlook instances where Bollywood openly steals and plagiarizes music from Pakistan. This phenomenon raises important questions about cultural awareness, media consumption patterns, and the responsibility of both filmmakers and cultural institutions to recognize and honor their origins.

The Gap in Awareness

While it's true that some in the Pakistani audience might be aware of the issue, the majority of Indian audiences and media pay little attention to these instances. This is largely due to the limited exposure of Indian audiences to Pakistani music outside Bollywood. For most Indians, Bollywood represents the primary gateway to Indian cinema and popular culture. As a result, the underlying cultural and musical influences from other regions, including Pakistan, are often not highlighted or acknowledged.

Case Studies and Media Response

To illustrate this point, consider a historical instance where a Pakistani director created a film inspired by a Bollywood movie but still faced government reprimand when the plagiarism became public. This incident reveals a stark contrast between the strict enforcement of intellectual property in India and the general acceptance of cultural spillage in Bollywood.

Take, for example, the film Bhajrangi Bhaijaan (2012). Although the film had its fair share of success, it faced criticism for using a song originally composed and performed by the Sabri brothers. Pakistani origin singers were not given credit for their work, which sparked petitions and protests. Eventually, Bollywood took action and provided royalties and credit to the original artists. This case carries significant implications for future acceptance and action regarding cultural theft.

Government and Public Response

The government's role in regulating such instances can be pivotal. In the case of the film stolen from an Indian hero, the government's swift action in banning the movie demonstrated the potential for significant impact. However, in the absence of such incidents becoming public knowledge, Bollywood often manages to continue its practice of taking credit for Pakistani compositions without facing severe consequences.

It's also worth noting that while the government may act swiftly in some cases, broader cultural and media practices within Bollywood often fail to reflect the same level of accountability. As Indians become more aware of such incidents, there may be a shift towards demanding more transparency and respect for the cultural contributions of other regions.

In conclusion, the widespread acceptance of music plagiarism in Bollywood can be attributed to a combination of limited awareness, institutional practices, and the neglect of intellectual property rights. However, as societal awareness and media response to such instances increase, it is hoped that a greater sense of cultural responsibility and respect will permeate the industry.