‘Besharam Rang’ copy of a Sajjad Ali song? Indian media, users think so

After Ali shared a video crooning ‘Ab Ke Hum Bichare’, many started drawing comparisons

Deepika Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan’s Besharam Rang from their upcoming film Pathaan has been embroiled in controversy since its release. The song drew ire for its visual presentation, the striking saffron-coloured bikini Deepika donned, and its “vulgar” appeal.

Now, Indian media and users are comparing it to a Sajjad Ali song, after the singer shared a video on his Instagram. The makers have also been accused of plagiarism as social media users dub both Pathaan songs, Besharam Rang and Jhoome Jo Pathaan, to be a copy of different tracks.

Taking to his Instagram on December 26, Ali had shared a clip writing, “After listening to a new movie’s song, it reminded me of my song I released 26 years ago, Ab Ke Hum Bichare. Enjoy!” In the video, Ali goes on to say, “Main YouTube pe kuch nayi filmon ka music sun raha toh mujhe apna 25-26 saal purana ek ganna yaad aaya. Aap logon ko sunate hai (I was listening to some songs from new films on YouTube, and was reminded of a 26-year-old track on my own).” He then begins crooning the track.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sajjad Ali Official (@thesajjadali)

After his video made the rounds, social media users started drawing comparisons between Sajjad’s rendition of the Mehdi Hasan ghazal and Besharam Rang.

Okay so 'besharam rang' doesn't just sound like Koi Fariyaad but Sajjad Ali's song 'Ab ke hum bichare' https://t.co/wn2kaLgFmr#BesharamRang Bollywood needs to do better.

— Anuschka (@AnuschkaaPreeti) December 30, 2022

Convinced that it sounds similar to the Pathaan track, a user wrote, “This sounds like Besharam Rang from Pathaan.” Another added, “Besharam song based on Sajjad Ali music composition. Indians always pirate our music composition and do not give credit.”

So one of the song from SRK's pathan "Besharam rang 's tune is a copy of sajjad Ali's "ab k ham bichary to shyd".
Waqie behsharam rang aur kahan ja k daikhain ap k is chori mai hi daikh laity hain. Shame on Bollywood, at least give credit where its due. #PathanMovie #SajjadAli

— Maria Anjum (@MariaAnjum11) December 28, 2022

One more chimed in, “Almost every Bollywood movie song is copied, like, the tune. They also copy Japanese songs and all old and new Pakistani songs.”

Did Shahrukh Khan, Vishal Dadlani - Shekhar copy Besharam Rang song from song - "Ab ke hum Bichare" composed by Pakistani Musician Sajjad Ali?? #BesharmRang#Pathaan #sajjadali #BoycottPathaanhttps://t.co/O5f5tMrHjr

— Rosy (@rose_k01) January 2, 2023

Meanwhile, after the song’s release, many listeners also claimed Besharam Rang was plagiarised from Makeba by Jain.

So, basically:
Jain - Makeba beats + Sajjad Ali old song 'Ab ke hum bichare' + Jagjeet's Singh 'Koi Fariyad' = #Pathan's Besharam Rang.
Is gaane me Deepika ki bikini ke ilawa kuch original nahi hai 😐#BesharmRang #besharambollywood #pathancontroversy

— Brown Girl (@browngirlvin) January 2, 2023

A user had written, “Besharam Rang background is a complete copy of the Makeba song by Jain! I do agree the tweaks made make it a bit more Bollywood and catchy. The similarity of the vibe of the entire song to Ghungroo from War is just unavoidable.”

It is pertinent to mention here that Sajjad Ali did not categorically mention any song’s name or claim that his own song has been copied.