======================================
The complaint comes from none other than composer Pankaj Awasthi, who has composed the Aye saaye mere number for New York. And what’s even more interesting is that Awasthi has also written a comment to the Indonesian band, Samsons, informing them about Pritam’s copycat act! Pritam, Pankaj Awasthi and Julius Packiam have been credited for scoring the music for this Yash Raj film.
When CT got in touch with Awasthi for his side of the story, the composer said, “I have nothing for or against Pritam. I had come across the similarities between the two numbers. Isn’t it shameful to indulge in such flagrant lifts? Don’t we have enough good composers? Film
music reflects our culture and acts such as these are very disgusting. It gives an impression that composers are only bothered about making tunes which they feel can be sold at some amount of money. I’m not going to fight with Pritam about this. I find it disgusting and that’s why, I chose to inform these boys.” So, what prompted him to post comments like: ‘Hey friends! (I) just (want) to inform you that your song has been copied, I mean the tune in one of the Hindi (INDIAN) feature film(s). The film is called ‘NEW YORK’. This is a big film, will make millions. Music director’s called PRITAM’? “I felt bad for the kids in Jakarta. That’s why I wrote it. The first line (Na nanana naa na na part in the beginning of the Hindi track) is a direct lift from Samsons’ Naluri Lelaki. It’s unfair that the song will get copied this way. I wanted this information to reach the band so that it can act on it. I am all for originality and that’s why I took a stand,” said Awasthi who has scored for Karam, Anwar and the forthcoming Tera Kya Hoga Johnny.
Awasthi also has plans to inform director Kabir Khan about this KK number. “Of course, I’ll tell Kabir. He is a good man who appreciates originality,” he insisted. But doesn’t he fear taking such a stand against someone from his own fraternity? “What is there to fear? Somebody else is to be afraid. Not me,” said the composer. On being asked if Yash Raj has an originality clause when it signs contracts with the composers, Awasthi answered in the affirmative.
Meanwhile, Karthik S, who chronicles plagiarism in India, welcomes the move. “The Na nanana naa na na part in the beginning of the Hindi track seems inspired. So is the small portion in the Indonesian original that corresponds to the Hai Junooooon call. He informed the Indonesian band in a public forum. So, the whole world now knows that he has exposed Pritam. I assume that may damage his career given that Pritam is on top now and could possibly affect Pankaj’s career,” he said, adding, “But yes, it’s a brave move and a very needed one — someone has to speak up against plagiarism and who better than another composer!”
source: times of india
The interesting part is that Pankaj Awasthi who is also a music composer has commented on the video of original source on youtube... And the comment posted before release of the song...
(click on the image to enlarge
comment name by 'awasthiji' is none other than Pankaj Awasthi)
Source: ITWOFS
Original source of the Song:
