‘Gadar 2’ controversy: Anil Sharma says composer Uttam Singh’s permission was not needed to use his music in the film – Times of India

On the one hand, where ‘Gadar 2’ made history at the box office, on the other hand, it also landed itself in several controversies. Recently, the music composer Uttam Singh, who composed tracks from 2001 released ‘Gadar: Ek Prem Katha,’ accused the makers of ‘Gadar 2’ for not seeking his permission before they used ‘Udd Jaa Kaale Kaava’ and ‘Main Nikla Gaddi Leke.’ Breaking the silence on the matter, director Anil Sharma said that Uttam Singh’s permission was not needed in the first place.
During a conversation with Bollywood Thikana, Anil said that the rights to the music were with the music company and one only needs to seek permission from them. However, as a kind gesture, he still called Uttam Singh and showed him the songs long before the movie was released.
He added that in Bollywood, several old songs have been reprised but no one asked permission from the old music composers. The rights of the song lie with the music company, and permission needs to be given from their end. So, he walked the same path for reprising songs in ‘Gadar 2’.

For the unversed, Uttam Singh, while talking to Bollywood Hungama, mentioned that he agrees Anil Sharma had the rights, but on ethical grounds, he should have spoken to him as well.
Anil Sharma commented on this statement as well. He said he had a word with the composer, who confessed to having said things she should have in the heat of the moment and was even misquoted. Anil added that Uttam is a nice and kind man who doesn’t enjoy being in a controversy.