Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, OCt 20: Singer Kaushiki Chakraborty has sent a legal notice to singer Chinmayi Sripaada and Singapore-based songwriter-producer Shabir Sulthan, alleging that their Tamil song Vaanmathi uses portions of her work and vocals without permission or credit.

Chinmayi has acknowledged receiving the legal notice on social media but said she was unaware of the allegedly plagiarised portions until the allegations surfaced.

In a video posted on Instagram, Kaushiki said she was disturbed that verses from her performance at the Darbar Festival in 2015 had allegedly been used in Vaanmathi without her permission, acknowledgement or credit.

She said she had attempted to resolve the matter without legal action but was compelled to issue the notice after the discussions failed. The song was subsequently taken down from Shabir's social media accounts, as requested by Kaushiki.

In her caption, Kaushiki said the matter was not just about protecting her own work but also about safeguarding the rights of musicians and traditional music. She urged people to share her statement widely to raise awareness about the issue.

Chinmayi, in a statement posted on her Instagram Stories, said she had received a legal notice concerning a couple of phrases in Vaanmathi. She clarified that she had only sung her portions of the song and was unaware of the alleged plagiarism until she saw Kaushiki's Instagram video and received the notice.

Chinmayi added that she had spoken to Shabir following the allegations and said he had assured her that he would address the matter legally, with due respect for Kaushiki and her legal team.

Reiterating her position, Chinmayi said copying another person's work would go against her musical integrity and dignity.

Shabir had not issued a public statement on the allegations at the time of reporting.