‘Mashooqa’ singer defends Pritam Chakraborty amidst plagiarism claims: ‘Completely baseless’

Mumbai: As the “Cocktail 2” track “Mashooqa” continues to spark controversy over claims that it resembles the 1993 Italian song ‘Se So Arrubate A Nonna’ by duo Bibi & Coco, singer Raghav Chaitanya has come out in support of Pritam Chakraborty, calling the plagiarism allegations “completely baseless.”

Chaitanya, who has lent his vocals for the number picturised on Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon, penned a note in support of Pritam saying that he feels it it’s important to address the ongoing speculation directly.

He wrote on the note shared on Instagram: “There has been a lot of conversation around the song Mashooqa and I feel it’s important to address the ongoing speculation directly. The allegations of plagiarism against Pritam da are completely baseless.”

As someone who has sung the song and been closely associated with its creative process, Chaitanya said that he “can confidently say that Mashooqa is an original composition.”

“In music, certain melodic movements or motifs can occasionally evoke familiarity because there are only so many ways emotions can be expressed musically. A motivic similarity does not amount to copying or plagiarism,” he added.

He said that to call “Mashooqa” an inspired track is “inaccurate”.

Revealing why, he mentioned: “To call this song inspired by another track is itself inaccurate, because the composition, arrangement, emotion and treatment of Mashooqa are entirely its own.”

“Pritam da has contributed immensely to Indian music for decades, and reducing creative coincidence to plagiarism undermines the integrity and hard work of everyone involved. I would urge listeners to experience the song in its entirety before jumping to conclusions based on short clips or online comparisons.”

“There is already so much negativity in the world, lets please spread some love,” Chaitanya concluded.

“Cocktail 2” is set to release in the cinema halls on June 19.

Directed by Homi Adajania, the movie is believed to be a spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit “Cocktail”, which featured Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Diana Penty as the lead.

IANS