MUMBAI: The Indian Performance Rights Society (IPRS) controversy that started in 2010 seems to have resurfaced again.
Music composers and lyricists have long been fighting over getting the Copyright Act 1957 amended and have expressed grievances over royalty issues.
On last 25 December, the Union Cabinet has approved the legislation to amend the Copyright Act 1957, allowing authors and creative artistes to retain control over their piece of work and enjoy royalties. But sadly, the amendment has just created rage amongst the music fraternity as few singers have expressed their displeasure over the decision and say they have not been kept in the loop of things.
Additionally, there is also conflict that composers may exercise control over the artiste and their work and not professionally allow their involvement in projects.
In view of the same, Javed Akhtar along with a few members from the music fraternity called for a press conference to discuss the IPRS issue. The meeting was attended by music composer Shankar Mahadevan, Leslie Lewis, Pritam Chakraborty and lyricist Sameer.
While singers like Kumar Sanu, Abhijeet Bhattacharya have argued that they have not been getting royalty for their work, they also allege that the music lobby in the hands of producers and music companies are largely responsible for eating up the revenues.
The playback singers sadly have no voice amongst them, which is making their representation weak in the industry. Most of the representation is by the lyricist and composers.
Businessofcinema tried to contact convenor Javed Akhtar, Pritam on inputs, but they were unavailable for comments.
It clearly looks with the IPRS issue not heading for a feasible solution; there is some cold war present amidst the music fraternity.
