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In a move that has deeply disappointed music enthusiasts and artists alike, popular Pakistani tracks were removed from Spotify in India on Wednesday night. Songs like “Maand,” “Jhol,” and “Faasle,” among many others, have suddenly vanished from the platform without prior notice, prompting frustration and confusion among listeners.
This sweeping action follows a May 8 advisory issued by the Indian government, which directs all OTT platforms, music streaming services, and digital intermediaries to immediately halt the streaming of Pakistani-origin content.
Government Cites National Security After Terror Attacks
According to the advisory, the decision was made in light of “national security concerns” stemming from the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian military operation named “Operation Sindoor.”
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The advisory, referencing Part II of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, explicitly states:
“OTT platforms, media streaming platforms and intermediaries operating in India are advised to discontinue the web-series, films, songs, podcasts and other streaming media content, whether made available on a subscription-based model or otherwise, having their origins in Pakistan with immediate effect.”
Impact Spreads Beyond Spotify to Other Platforms
Spotify is not the only platform affected. Users have also reported changes on YouTube Music, where Pakistani content has similarly become inaccessible. The removal of prominent Pakistani actors from film posters and album art has also become evident across multiple digital media platforms.
For instance, the poster for the Bollywood film Sanam Teri Kasam on Spotify and YouTube Music no longer features Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane, who starred in the film. Instead, the visuals have been edited to include only Indian cast members.
Likewise, in the case of “Raees,” the poster has been altered to remove Mahira Khan, who starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan.
Cultural Fallout: Fawad Khan’s Song Removed
Another striking example is the removal of the song “Buddhu Sa Mann” from the hit film Kapoor and Sons, which starred Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. The song is no longer accessible to Indian users on YouTube, where it now displays the message:
“Video unavailable. The uploader has not made this video available in your country.”
Additionally, Sony Music India, which owns the rights, has modified promotional artwork to exclude Fawad Khan entirely.
Industry Reacts: Filmmakers Caught Off Guard
Reacting to the developments, Deepak Mukut, producer of Sanam Teri Kasam, told Hindustan Times:
“They didn’t ask me, it’s their decision. Whatever our government says, everyone has to follow.”
Mukut’s comments highlight the fact that content owners were not consulted before the implementation of the restrictions, raising concerns over the autonomy of creators and producers in India’s media landscape.
A Blow to Cross-Border Artistic Collaboration
The move comes as a significant blow to ongoing efforts to build cultural bridges between India and Pakistan through shared art and music. Pakistani artists have historically had a large fanbase in India, with several collaborations over the years in Bollywood films, concerts, and digital platforms.
Critics of the ban argue that art and music transcend politics, and such blanket restrictions serve only to alienate audiences and stifle artistic exchange. However, supporters claim the action is necessary under the current climate of security threats and diplomatic hostility.
