Spotify has removed hundreds of Bollywood songs from its platform due to a licensing dispute with Zee Music, which owns a large part of the Bollywood music catalog. The removal of popular soundtracks such as “Malhari” and “Kala Chashma” has upset many Bollywood fans who are now taking to social media to express their frustration. Zee Music has also not renewed its licensing agreement with Gaana, which became a subscription-only service a few months later. Zee Music has 93.6 million subscribers on YouTube and is the second most-subscribed channel after T-Series, with 239 million subscribers.
According to a Spotify spokesperson, the company has been trying to find creative ways to strike a deal with Zee Music but has been unsuccessful so far. The removal of these songs serves as a reminder that while streaming services can be convenient, physical collections should not be regarded as a replacement. This is not the first time a licensing dispute has caused songs to be removed from streaming services, and it is likely not to be the last. Nevertheless, Spotify continues to negotiate in good faith with Zee Music, hoping to reach a mutually agreeable solution soon.
In conclusion, the licensing dispute between Spotify and Zee Music has caused the removal of hundreds of Bollywood songs from the platform, leaving many fans disappointed. However, negotiations are ongoing, and Spotify hopes to find a solution that works for both parties. Until then, fans may have to turn to other sources to enjoy their favorite Bollywood tracks.
