Legendary Pakistani singer Sajjad Ali has issued a clarification after his iconic song Ravi was performed on an Indian television reality show, stressing that he never granted permission or copyright rights to any Indian TV channel to use his music.
Taking to Instagram, the veteran singer shared a video addressing the growing speculation and misinformation surrounding the performance of his song on the Indian singing reality show Voice of Punjab Master Champs (Season 10).
At the beginning of the video, Sajjad Ali expressed gratitude to his fans around the world for their continued love and support.
"I would first like to thank all my fans across the world who love and listen to my songs, especially those who create cover versions. I watch many of them whenever they reach me, and I often leave comments as well," he said.
The singer then addressed the controversy, revealing that he recently came across a reel featuring two young contestants performing Ravi on an Indian Punjabi television program.
"I've been hearing certain things recently that made me record this video. I saw a reel from India in which two children were beautifully singing Ravi. It was from an Indian Punjabi TV program. After watching it, people in Pakistan started saying that I didn't allow children on Pakistan Idol to sing my songs, yet I gave permission to an Indian channel."
Sajjad Ali firmly rejected those claims, making it clear that he had never authorized the broadcaster to use his work.
"I have not given the copyright of my songs to any Indian channel. They are using my song without asking us. No permission was given, nor did they seek any approval. They simply aired it. My legal team will now contact them regarding this matter."
The veteran musician also revisited the controversy surrounding Pakistan Idol, saying his stance had been misunderstood for the past year.
"People have been bringing up the Pakistan Idol issue for almost a year. It was completely unfair. My words were manipulated, and I am deeply saddened by that."
His clarification came a day after Pakistani music once again received appreciation across the border when contestants on Voice of Punjab Master Champs (Season 10) delivered performances featuring popular Pakistani songs.
One of the standout performances featured a young duo singing Sajjad Ali's beloved track Ravi De Vich Pani, drawing praise from viewers on both sides of the border and reigniting discussions about the use of Pakistani music on Indian television.
Sajjad Ali is regarded as one of Pakistan's most celebrated singers, songwriters, composers, and music producers. Born on August 24, 1966, in Karachi, he began his musical journey in the late 1970s and has remained one of the country's most influential artists for decades. Renowned for seamlessly blending pop, classical, and folk music, he has gifted audiences’ timeless hits including Ravi, Babia, Har Zulm, and Lagaya Dil, earning widespread acclaim both in Pakistan and internationally.