Sarbata Mangala Radhe, a song performed on IPDC Amader Gaan on October 20 by actors Chanchal Chowdhury and Meher Afroz Shaon stirred up controversy, as a Sherpur-based folk band Shorolpur claimed it as their original track. In a recent statement, IPDC cleared their stance.
Following the band’s claim and threat of legal action unless the video was taken down from all social media platforms, IDPC removed the content the day after its release.
The off-track musical show, IPDC Amader Gaan, focuses on representing Bangla folk music to audiences, home and abroad.
Also read: Chanchal and Shaon’s ‘Sarbata Mangala Radhe’ controversy explained
“After the release of the song titled Sarbata Mangala Radhe, performed on the third episode of the program, a band claimed ownership of the song on social media,” IDPC said in the statement. “When searching for the original artiste, we found a scattered and diverse range of information. Upon investigation, reliable information about the original artiste was not confirmed. The band that claimed ownership of the song did not mention copyright in any previous communications either. Moreover, it was specifically mentioned that the song was a track collected during the performance.”
The platform contacted the band and is awaiting their response.
“After contacting the Copyright Office for further investigation and necessary directives, the authorities assured that the matter would be resolved based on evidence,” the statement also said. "IPDC Amader Gaan will refrain from broadcasting the song prior to the resolution of the matter. Such an arrangement has been undertaken with commitments to vigilance, honesty, and transparency in all activities and involvement.”
Unless the copyright issue is resolved, audiences will have to wait for the song to be streaming again.