Interview with IPRS Chairman
“We have come a long way though there is still a lot to be done says the IPRS Chairperson and one of the most prominent literary figures of our times, the legendary Javed Akhtar Sahab. In an inspiring conversation, Javed Akhtar Sahab spoke about the incredible journey of IPRS and all that went to make IPRS what it is today. He also shared his thoughts on the long-term plans of the music copyright society, which currently represents more than 9000 songwriters, composers, and publishers of music from across the country.
Q. Can you tell us something about the IPRS and its meteoric rise under your Chairmanship?
The IPRS is certainly done very well in past few years from 2017 to 2022, but there is a long way to go. I think the last five years have been ably administered by IPRS CEO, Rakesh Nigam. I can certainly see that what was a dream sometime back is a reality today. We are at a stage where we are living our dream, but now we also need to focus on the larger picture and the unfinished tasks. I’m confident that with the help and support of the executive, the Government, and the industry stakeholders, we will see a considerable progress in the next few years.
Q. Switching from the purely creative role of a multifaceted writer to fighting for the rights of authors/composers has been a journey very few from the creative fraternity have undertaken. How did you take it up?
Songwriters and composers, on the whole, are a preoccupied lot immersed in their creation, and many times oblivion of their rights and the commercial aspects of the music industry. But that shouldn’t deprive them of their credit and rightful dues. It thus became important that someone picks up the cause for them. To claim that I am entirely responsible would be untrue. I’m fully aware that teamwork is paramount in getting us where we are today. The commitment of the music fraternity on the whole has been nothing short of exemplary. Over my stint, I’ve often called people at odd hours and have found all the help I needed in this journey. Whatever we achieved is an accomplishment to cherish, however there are more battles yet to be fought.
Q. What do you think are the clear benefits of the New Amended Copyright law? IPRS has achieved the dream it had set to achieve. What had been the change maker driving the change?
The new amended Copyright Law grants an inalienable right to royalty to music creators. As an author or composer, one can hand over the copyright for his/her works, but the ‘right to royalty’ will always remain with the creator. Along with the amendment of the Copyright Law, adequate steps were also taken to effectively implement the same. Which became a matter of great encouragement and hope. I must mention here the role of Mr. Vikram Mehra – CEO, Saregama India Ltd. in ironing out the differences and helping in the smooth functioning of the new law. It has today, reached a point where camaraderie between the Composer, Authors, and Publishers is for all to see. This, I think, is a truly remarkable development. I am thankful to all the Publishers for this matter. It is also pleasing to see Super Cassettes Industries Pvt. Ltd. (T-Series) being a part of IPRS. Under the able leadership of Mr. Bhushan Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kalyan, the company has gone on to play a significant role in helping to solve the long-standing royalty issues, including those with the music users, which has benefitted our members in a big way. Wholehearted support and participation from all corners have proved that being united is the key to future growth. Our challenge at the moment is that a major chunk of music users are not paying the royalties they legally owe us. It is worrisome to see that compliance with music licensing norms is still on the lower side. This has to change. They are bound by the law and cannot overlook this any longer. We look forward to supporting from the Government on the issue. We seek their help to ensure that the rightful owners of music aren’t deprived of their due royalties.
Q. In an encouraging poem penned by you for IPRS Annual Report, you have mentioned –
‘A lot accomplished, yes, and yet… So much more that is still to get.’ – We would like to hear more from you on this.
It is a source of immense satisfaction that the royalty collection at IPRS has risen from INR 35-40 Crores to over INR 300 Crores in a matter of 5 years despite the 2-year pandemic. This according to me is to the huge credit of Rakesh Nigam and his team. It would be improper to give me solo credit for this achievement. But I would also like to add here that there is a great distance to be covered in tapping the entire market. There are many laurels in store. I am hopeful that in the coming years there will be greater compliance in this matter.
Q. Could you throw some light on your plans as IPRS Chairman for the forthcoming years?
We are looking to go much beyond being a body that merely collects and distributes royalty to our members. I’m sure that once our royalty collections sweep upward, as is expected, we will be playing a much bigger role in the welfare of our members. Out of the few initiatives I have in mind, Collective Health Insurance for all IPRS members is one of them. We have already provided emergency relief funds in multiple instalments to our members who were going through financial crisis during the pandemic, and have also provided medical aid to ailing members from time to time. One of my dreams is also to create a source of earning for our retired and ailing members, which can be along the lines of a pension or provident fund. But all these benefit programmes can be sustained and made possible only when we have greater compliance, increased revenues, and support from all those who are supposed to pay for the music they utilize.
Q. What do you think are the significant achievements of the IPRS in the last 5 years?
A close to tenfold growth in royalty collection in 5 years is no mean feat. Our members today are receiving regular and frequent royalties in tune with the consumption of their works. This, I see, as a major achievement for the IPRS. This has been largely made possible, since we have managed to sign licensing deals with major DSPs and key players from the industry, opening new sources of revenue for our members. Behemoths like YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, Spotify, and Apple have joined us in our endeavour to support music and fairly remunerate those behind the music we consume. Ironically enough, it is the big Indian companies who are refusing to pay what is rightfully due to us. But we are working towards getting them to honour their commitment.
I must also say that data registration and distribution of royalties have been worked upon with a lot of diligence at IPRS. From ensuring error-free metadata to keeping a track of the precise credits while claiming and matching the songs is a herculean task that needs toil, given the humongous amount of songs being played all over. This is a gradual process but we have all seen significant progress in this matter.
Q. Indians are reluctant to pay for music and that is a major cause of concern for music creation in the coming years. What is your take on this serious issue? How do we build awareness about the issue?
Everyone must realize that music composers and songwriters spend a lot of time and effort on their work. Royalties serve as a source of income and at times their only means to sustain. An analogy of paying for music would be something like paying for eating in a hotel. Would you even think of not paying your hotel bill? Music is something that offers you immense pleasure and contentment. As has been said, “Music is food of the soul.” As listeners, we derive immense satisfaction and joy from music. When we can pay for our daily needs, convenience and other material things, then why not for music?
Many have a misconception that composing music and writing come for free. Nowhere in the world music is free. It must be paid for. Then some feign ignorance about these payments. For such, we need and seek the help of the Government. After all, we can awaken those sleeping but, for those pretending to be asleep, we can hardly do much, as they will continue their pretence. But I would like to mention that the time to feign ignorance has passed.
Q. What is your message for our members and stakeholders on the 53rd anniversary of the IPRS?
All the stakeholders of IPRS are doing a great job. I take this opportunity to thank them. I would like to see the music industry and our members prosper and get what they deserve as Royalties.
Q. How can the IPRS members contribute to their welfare?
For the members to draw maximum benefit from the IPRS they must give us the required work details and cue sheet with all the right credits for their work. This will help us collect, match and distribute their royalties smoothly and effectively. The staff at IPRS is readily accessible and keen to help our members, but our members must submit their credentials and their work details at the right time and in the right format. As members of IPRS equip yourself to take benefit of the recent developments and digital advancements at IPRS. Log in to the member portal. It has been launched to enable our members to take charge of their data and work. Help us to Help you better!
