12-05-2025
Javed Akhtar Says Mahesh Bhatt Opposed Copyright Act: ‘He's Messiah Of The Poor'
Javed Akhtar helped pass the 2012 Copyright (Amendment) Act, securing lifelong royalties for creatives, despite opposition from filmmakers like Yash Chopra and Mahesh Bhatt.
Javed Akhtar, a well-known screenwriter, lyricist, and poet, has made a huge impact on India's creative world. While many admire his artistic work, few know about his important role in the passing of the Copyright (Amendment) Act in 2012. This law, passed by both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, protected the rights of writers, lyricists, music composers, actors, authors, and other creative professionals. In a recent chat with Mid-Day, Javed Akhtar shared how he got involved in the fight for copyright reform.
Javed Akhtar mentioned that his involvement started when the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) asked him to lead. He admitted he didn't understand publishing rights before that. 'I had know idea publishing ka matlab kya hai. When I would sign contracts, they would take all the rights; I was not aware of that," he said.
Javed Akhtar recalled that music directors had come to his house, expressing their frustration. After accepting the role, Javed began to understand the extent of exploitation faced by creative professionals. He realised that the only way to bring about real change was to amend the country's laws. 'Music directors came to my house and said, 'We are being badly exploited. They give us unfair contracts, and we want you to become IPRS chairman'. I realised that no music director or writer dared to stand up against the music companies and producers alone because they would ban them. The only solution was to change the law of the country," he said.
Javed Akhtar faced opposition while fighting for the rights of creative professionals, with filmmakers like Yash Chopra and Mahesh Bhatt against him. He recalled, 'Some very big stars and producer-filmmakers were meeting people and opposing the bill. I will take their name – Yash Chopra and Mahesh Bhatt. Mahesh Bhatt is the 'messiah of the poor' from that side… because 'poor producers' needed his help. When I met him at the airport, he said, 'We have come to oppose your bill.' I told him he had all the right. I even offered to help him with appointments with the political leaders."
The Copyright (Amendment) Act of 2012 changed the Copyright Act of 1957. It gave songwriters, artists, and performers the right to earn royalties for life. The new law made sure that creators own the rights to their work, instead of producers taking them.
First Published:
May 12, 2025, 08:16 IST
