Udd Ja Kale Kaava, Main Nikla Gaddi Leke composer Uttam Singh accuses Gadar 2 makers of using work without permission

Sunny Deol-starrer Gadar 2 is running successfully in theatres across India. The sequel from Anil Sharma has not just minted money but also been praised by critics. Even its music has earned appreciation, particularly Mithoon’s reworking of two iconic tracks from the first Gadar film. However, now, Uttam Singh, the composer of the original Gadar, has slammed the makers of the sequel for using his work.

Uttam Singh, veteran composer and brother of late ghazal singer Jagjit Singh, had composed the music and background score of Gadar, which released in 2001. Two popular songs from the film - Udd Ja Kale Kaava and Main Nikla Gaddi – have been used in Gadar 2 as well with Mithoon, the film’s composer rearranging them. The film also utilises parts of the background score from the first one.

In an interview with Amar Ujala, Uttam Singh reacted to this and said, “They didn’t call me for Gadar 2 and I don’t have the habit of calling and asking for work. They have used two of my songs in the film and I have also heard that they have used the background music that I composed. They should at least have the etiquette to ask me once and talk to me before using my songs in the film.”

Both the songs were chartbusters back in 2001 and contributed a lot to Gadar’s success. The reprised versions have also been praised and Mithoon appreciated for keeping the songs’ identity intact.

Gadar 2 has earned over Rs 420 crore net at the domestic box office, becoming the second-highest-grossing Bollywood film ever in India. Only Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan stands ahead of it now. While the film has not done exceedingly well overseas, it has still managed to cross Rs 500 crore worldwide.