Mumbai-based poet and activist Aamir Aziz has publicly accused renowned artist Anita Dube of using his powerful poem Sab Yaad Rakha Jayega without consent, credit, or compensation. Aziz claims Dube incorporated lines from his poem into her artworks- displayed and allegedly sold at the Vadehra Art Gallery in Delhi- without informing him. “This is outright cultural extraction,” Aziz wrote in a social media post, condemning the alleged appropriation of voices from marginalized backgrounds for profit.

The controversial works were part of Dube's Three Storey House exhibition and included renditions of Aziz's poem carved in wood and velvet. Aziz said his demands for accountability were met with silence and “insulting offers.” Despite legal notices and takedown requests, the exhibition remains open till April 26.

While Anita Dube has yet to comment, the gallery stated the disputed pieces were pulled from sale and that discussions are ongoing. Aziz alleges this wasn't a one-time act- Dube has reportedly used his poem in multiple exhibitions since 2023.