Badshah latest offering has been much in news for all the wrong reasons. The YouTube top trending dance musical that has been inspired from a Bengali folk song became the centre of several controversies over charges of plagiarism and violation of copyright laws in India. In no time folk song exponent from Bengal, Ratan Kahar gets himself in newfound limelight, appreciation and recognition from global audience for an old composition, 'Boroloker Biti Lo'.
Although the original composer took no offence is adapting his song, Badshah drew much flak from netizens alleging exploitation of artists who has no money to take legal recourse. Following this, the rapper on Wednesday had issued a statement saying he has been trying to contact the original singer but has not been able to do so owing to the nationwide lockdown and has asked the help of Kahar's representatives to help him reach out.
Badshah in his statement pledging to do 'justice' in whatever way is possible said, "After receiving so much information from the Bengali community, I have been constantly trying my best to reach out to him and connect with him and be able to do justice to the situation to all my might. However, the lockdown situation has not been very helpful, it has been difficult to get through to the village that Shri Kahar is in and I am still trying. I urge and request any of the representatives who have been speaking on his behalf, to help me connect with him so I can do whatever possible on my part on humanitarian grounds to put this right."
He further reasoned in his statement that "nowhere on any copyright societies or any of the previous reprises/versions of the song was Mr. Ratan Kahar credited as lyricist." He further claimed that the song that was adapted is a traditional 'song sung by 'Bauls of Bengals' and are open for recreation and sampling globally.
Concluding his post by urging his followers to hear the song, Badshah stayed out that 'Gende Phoo' is his way of introducing 'forgotten melodies' to the new generation and celebration of Folk Music.
Meanwhile, Kahar is eager to meet Badshah now and wants him to visit him and provide him with monetary aid considering his poverty-ridden condition.
Kahar excited with the spiritual revival of the song said, "It feels great that people are listening to my song. I feel so proud and happy. This song of mine has enjoyed immense popularity in so many years but only within West Bengal. I had never imagined an artist of Badshah's stature would use it. I'm happy that people everywhere else are listening to my song now. Badshah has used the track in his own style, and in a way, nobody did before."
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