Digital Music Piracy in India: A Case Study of Illegal Download Platforms like Pagalworld and the Cultural Demand for Bollywood Songs
This paper examines the persistent demand for unauthorized downloads of Bollywood songs, using “Sanam Teri Kasam” (a popular Hindi film song) as a cultural reference point. It analyzes the legal, economic, and ethical dimensions of platforms like Pagalworld, while exploring why users bypass legitimate streaming services. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to reduce piracy through education, accessibility, and enforcement.