Producer Ramesh Taurani, music label Tips, and filmmaker David Dhawan's team have issued a joint statement on Wednesday, 27 May, categorically rejecting the claims made by producer Vashu Bhagnani over songs featured in their upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, calling it a “smear campaign driven by personal vendetta.” The statement asserts that Taurani and Tips are the “absolute and lawful owners” of the songs Chunnari Chunnari and Ishq Sona Hai, and that the matter is now sub judice.

What the Statement Said

The joint statement, issued on behalf of Taurani and Dhawan’s team, described Bhagnani’s allegations as “a series of baseless allegations” intended to “derail the release” of their film. The makers noted that their association with Bhagnani dates back to 1995, when they “generously offered him a 50 percent partnership and a producer credit” on a project they had already developed. That project, Coolie No. 1, went on to become a major box office success and, according to the statement, gave Bhagnani “a kick-start in the industry.”

The statement also flagged what they described as suspicious legal manoeuvring: “He has also chosen to file a legal complaint in Kathihar court in Bihar — over 2,000 km away from Mumbai. He decided to take legal action against all associated with our film rather than engage in direct dialogue.”

Tips Music’s Earlier Position

The dispute escalated after Puja Entertainment, Bhagnani’s production banner, approached a Bihar court alleging that its films, songs, and other copyrighted content were being commercially exploited without proper authorisation by Tips. The court reportedly granted an interim protection and asked all involved parties to maintain status quo.

Tips subsequently responded, stating the label “is the lawful owner of the music rights in question, supported by valid and binding agreements between the parties,” and that it has “openly and legitimately exploited these rights for nearly three decades in full compliance with applicable laws.” A separate statement issued on 16 May had also maintained that Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is an original story with no resemblance to any prior film.

Bhagnani Fires Back

The friction became public at the film’s trailer launch, where Taurani had said the dispute was being handled and would “get sorted.” Bhagnani sharply contested that characterisation on social media, writing: “Nothing has been sorted with me till today. Saying ‘everything is settled’ in front of cameras does not change the truth. Nothing is over. The matter is in court, and the truth will come out there, not by passing the mic to someone else. Making such public claims while the matter is still in court is itself contempt of court.”

What Happens Next

Both sides have now staked out firm public positions while the matter remains before the court. Taurani’s team has stated this will be their “only statement” at this time, citing the sub judice status. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai is scheduled to release on 5 June. Whether the legal proceedings will affect the film’s release or its music usage remains to be seen as the court process unfolds.