Javed Akhtar firm on higher royalty, copyright

NEW DELHI - Javed Akhtar is standing tall by his decision to lobby for more royalties for singers, composers and lyricists even after the buzz that the Film Federation of India (FFI) has advised its members not to employ the award-winning writer.

“They can ban an individual but not an idea whose time has come,” Akhtar posted on his Twitter page.

He reacted to reports that FFI, considered to be the apex body of the Indian film industry, has asked all film bodies in India to ban him following demands for an amendment in the Copyright Act.

However, FFI secretary general Supran Sen told IANS that no such decision has been taken.

“There were surely discussions about this issue yesterday (Friday), but no such final decision against Mr. Akhtar has been taken. Heads from all India - south, north, east and west - will be meeting on Dec 29 to decide the strategy and operandi of the matter and then the decision will be taken accordingly,” said Sen.

Akhtar has been pushing for an amendment in the copyright laws so that music directors and lyricists get the benefit of a share in the profits earned on their work.