ArdorComm Media News Network
February 23, 2026
Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman on Friday informed the Supreme Court of India that he would formally acknowledge the contribution of the Junior Dagar Brothers in the song Veera Raja Veera from the film Ponniyin Selvan: II.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi recorded Rahman’s submission and disposed of the plea, describing the individuals involved as “reputed names of the music industry”.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Rahman, told the court that the composer would update the song credits to read:
“Composition inspired by Dagarwani tradition Dhrupad, first recorded as ‘Shiv Stuti’ by late Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar, popularly known as Junior Dagar Brothers.”
The matter arose from a plea filed by Dhrupad vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar challenging a September 2025 order of the Delhi High Court. The High Court had observed that there was no prima facie material to establish that the Junior Dagar Brothers — Ustad Nasir Zahiruddin Dagar and Ustad Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar — were the authors of the classical rendition Shiv Stuti.
The Supreme Court noted that the revised credit would be reflected across social media and OTT platforms within five weeks. It also directed Rahman to deposit ₹2 crore, as fixed by the High Court, with the Registrar General on an interim basis.
Clarifying its position, the Bench stated that it had not expressed any opinion on the merits of the dispute and that the pending civil suit between the parties would proceed independently, uninfluenced by its observations.
Earlier, on February 13, the apex court had suggested that Rahman and the makers of Ponniyin Selvan: II consider acknowledging the Dagarwani Dhrupad tradition’s contribution to the composition.
Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, son of Faiyazuddin Dagar and nephew of Zahiruddin Dagar, has claimed copyright over the original works of the Junior Dagar Brothers, including Shiv Stuti, alleging unauthorised use in the film’s song.
Source: PTI