Citing national security, Indian government enforces digital purge of Pakistani content despite shared musical legacy
(Web Desk) – In a sweeping move reflecting rising diplomatic tensions, the Indian government has ordered the removal of Pakistani music and media content from major streaming platforms, including Spotify India and YouTube Music. The directive, issued on May 8, cites national security under the country’s IT Rules, even as both nations recently agreed to a ceasefire following the deadly Pahalgam attack.
Popular Pakistani songs such as ‘Maand’, ‘Jhol’, and ‘Faasle’ are no longer accessible to Indian users, part of a broader ban on Pakistani media that extends to films, promotional imagery, and digital album art. The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting claims the presence of Pakistani media could pose a threat to the country’s “sovereignty, integrity, and public order.”
Artists Erased, Imagery Altered
The crackdown has led to visible erasures on streaming platforms. The album cover for Sanam Teri Kasam on Spotify India now excludes Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane, showing only her Indian co-star Harshvardhan Rane. Promotional material for Raees has similarly removed Mahira Khan, leaving Shah Rukh Khan pictured alone.
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The 2016 hit song ‘Buddhu Sa Mann’ from Kapoor & Sons, which featured Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, is no longer available to Indian viewers on YouTube, and its artwork has been edited to eliminate Khan’s image.
Producer Deepak Mukut of Sanam Teri Kasam acknowledged the move, telling Hindustan Times, “It’s their decision. Whatever our government says, everyone has to follow.”
Legacy Undermined, Remakes Remain
The ban marks a severe blow to the deeply intertwined musical heritage shared by India and Pakistan. Generations of Indian fans have embraced iconic Pakistani artists such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Nazia Hassan, Atif Aslam, and Ali Sethi.
Yet in a pointed contradiction, Bollywood remakes of Pakistani hits like ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’, ‘Hawa Hawa’, ‘Nach Punjaban’, and ‘Pasoori’ continue to dominate Indian airwaves and streaming charts.
While the original voices are being erased, their melodies linger—now recast and commodified in Bollywood productions.
