Folk Singer Bima Kumari Dura Claims Copyright Infringement on 'The Voice of Nepal'

Kathmandu. Senior folk singer Bima Kumari Dura's famous song 'Lamjung Turlungkot, Sararara Hawa Chalyo Lakuriko Bot' has been embroiled in controversy. A dispute has arisen regarding the copyright, originality, and respect for the creator, as a different person was mentioned as the creator when this song was presented on the reality show 'The Voice of Nepal Season 7'.

During the 'Blind Audition' of the show, contestant Sanjita Dura presented this famous song, stating it represents her community's identity. After the song was broadcast, the show's organizers based the credit on the details available on digital platforms. A video of this song, which has garnered over a million views on YouTube, mentioned 'Ramesh Pariyar' for the lyrics and music. Consequently, the organizers gave credit to the same name on the show.

Upon learning that a song she created and sang was broadcast under someone else's name, senior singer Bima Kumari Dura strongly objected. Alleging that her song was used without permission and her identity was being erased by giving credit to another, she has filed a complaint at the District Police Complex, Bhadrakali. Singer Dura was in America when the song was used on the show. She returned to Nepal urgently to resolve the song dispute, stating, 'My creation has been hijacked while I am alive,' and initiated legal proceedings. A discussion was held between both parties at the police complex on Monday. The dispute has become more complex as the discussion concluded without a resolution. Dura complained that the 'The Voice' team did not take her concerns seriously during the discussion. She accused them of leaving without properly listening to her side. She intends to pursue the matter and is awaiting action from the police administration.

On the other hand, regarding this dispute, 'The Voice' director Laxman Poudel stated that it occurred due to a technical error and has been rectified immediately. Poudel said, 'In 'The Voice's blind audition, a contestant named Sanjita Dura chose the song of the respected singer Bima Kumari Dura to represent her community.' He added, 'While putting the song's credit, we searched on YouTube for reference and found a video uploaded two-three years ago with about a million views, which listed Ramesh Pariyar for lyrics and music.'

Poudel explained that since the song was uploaded long ago and no claims or objections had been raised, they officially used Ramesh Pariyar's name in the credit. Poudel further stated, 'Bima didi contacted us and said that this creation is not Ramesh Pariyar's; the lyrics, music, and vocals are all mine.' He added, 'Such technical mistakes can happen. After she informed us, we realized our mistake and immediately corrected it on YouTube.'

Poudel mentioned that in the context of Nepal, there is often ambiguity about who to believe officially. He informed that respecting Bima didi's claim, they have corrected the credit title and details on the YouTube video to include her name everywhere. He further stated, 'Even after we apologized and made corrections, she was not satisfied and filed a complaint with the police, making the singing sister Sanjita and the program the defendants.' He added, 'To avoid further hassle, we eventually removed that video from YouTube.' Poudel claimed that even after a two-three hour discussion at the police office, the singer herself was unclear about her demands.

Poudel continued, 'Sometimes she demands 20 crore rupees, and sometimes she asks why the video was removed. We even offered to invite her as a guest on the show and honor her, but her people evaded the discussion, saying didi has to return immediately and has no travel expenses.'

Poudel further added, 'People in our folk-duet sector say that folk songs are not being promoted, but when we present folk songs on a big stage like 'The Voice,' someone or the other comes to file a lawsuit.' Poudel questioned the trend in the Nepali music industry, asking, 'How will folk songs be promoted in such an environment?' Nevertheless, he clarified that they are still willing to listen to Bima didi's concerns and cooperate with the legal process.

What does Dura say?

Singer Bima Kumari Dura, on the other hand, claims her creation has been hijacked while she is alive. She views this incident as an attack on her existence and years of dedication. 'This song is a song I created myself, sang myself, and did everything myself. While I am alive, is it fair to suppress my creation and present it under someone else's name?' singer Dura said. 'I have spent my entire life in this field; who will give me an answer today?'

Regarding the compensation mentioned in the song dispute, she says, 'How can the value of creation be repaid with money? What is the weight of a song in kilograms or dharnis? It cannot be measured; it is like an ocean.' Dura shared her pain of returning to Nepal from America on an expensive flight ticket to resolve this dispute and fight for her rights, and that she hasn't even been able to visit her 90-year-old mother who is staying in her village. She accused 'The Voice' team of evading a clear discussion with them during the police station meeting. She also informed that representatives from the National Folk and Duet Song Academy, Royalty Collection Society, and Performers Society were present at the discussion.

'After this dispute started, the sister who sang the song sent me a message on Messenger saying she has no connection with me, which caused me even greater mental stress,' Dura said. 'I am not someone who runs after lawsuits, but when they tried to kill me while I was alive, I was forced to go through the legal process.'

She stated that she came to Nepal for a month and will fight for her rights until the end.