Artistes hail government's decision to amend copyright law

New Delhi, Dec 30 (ANI): Artistes have hailed the Central Government's proposal to amend the Copyright Act of 1957.

At a meeting hosted here on Tuesday, they deliberated on the implications of the existing Copyright Act and the proposed amendments, which will fetch them substantial royalties.

Those who took part in the meet were composers, singers and lyricists.

Renowned singer and compose Shankar Mahadevan said amendment should allow artistes to retain their own creations.

"This amendment when it comes out it will be something that will help each one of us, not only us but also future generations. All the young composers, their grand children and everybody will be able to retain their own creations," he added.

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar, who has been spearheading the move for years, said royalty earned by the publisher should be split between the publisher, composer and writer.

"Whatever royalty comes from any source, goes 50 percent to publisher, 25 percent to composer and 25 percent to the writer, if there is any. If it is only instrumental, then it (royalty) goes obviously to composers only. Now this is what we are asking for and this is what we are supposed to get. But fact remains in a very clever manner and seriously we have been marginalised," he added.

As per the prevailing Copyright Act, music directors and lyricists do not have any right on the revenue earned by producers and music companies, once they have sold their compositions.

The cabinet on December 24 approved a proposal to introduce a Bill to amend the Copyright Act. (ANI)