Introduction
The growing demand for vintage Bollywood vinyl records has led to an increase in counterfeit pressings. Fake records often flood online marketplaces and even physical stores, deceiving collectors into paying premium prices for low-quality reproductions.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced collector, knowing how to identify fake Bollywood vinyl records is crucial. This guide will teach you how to spot counterfeit pressings, verify authenticity, and avoid scams when buying classic LPs from Kishore Kumar, R.D. Burman, Lata Mangeshkar, and other legends.
Why Fake Bollywood Vinyl Records Exist
- High Demand, Low Supply – Original pressings of iconic soundtracks (Sholay, Mughal-e-Azam, Pakeezah) are rare, making them prime targets for forgery.
- Profit Motive – Scammers sell fake records at inflated prices, taking advantage of collectors’ nostalgia.
- Reproduction Market – Some sellers openly press unofficial reissues but misrepresent them as "original vintage."
Key Differences Between Original & Fake Bollywood Vinyl
- Check the Label & Logo
🔹 Originals:
- HMV (His Master's Voice) records have the iconic "dog and gramophone" logo.
- Polydor pressings have a distinct orange/yellow label.
- EMI India pressings feature specific typography.
🔹 Fakes:
- Blurry logos, incorrect fonts, or missing label details.
- Modern labels like "Saregama" on records supposedly pressed in the 1960s-70s.
- Inspect the Catalog Number
- Every original vinyl has a unique catalog number (e.g., EMI ECSD 2465 for Sholay).
- Verify the number on Discogs.com or vinyl databases.
- Fake records often have mismatched or missing catalog numbers.