Javed Akhtar's efforts to secure rights for songwriters, composers and authors in India was commended by Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb ?

Javed Akhtar's fight for lyricists' royalty has now taken an international turn. The writer and social activist addressed the World Copyright Summit (WCS) in Brussels last week. He spoke about how the author's rights are neglected in India.

Legendary singer Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees group (that embodied the disco era of the '70s) is the president of the Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers and chairperson of the summit. He commended Akhtar in his battle to give creators their rights.

Big steps

Gibbs stated at the event, "I have witnessed with great pleasure that India has taken major steps forward towards the recognition of authors' rights. And I salute Javed Akhtar, who is here in the audience, and who has led the fight for this recognition."

While Javed refrained from commenting, a source from the WCS said, "Javed was interviewed by fellow composer Simon Darlow who is a board member of the Performing Right Society For Music (the UK branch of the World Copyright Organisation) about his career in India.

He was also asked about the potential amendments to copyright law, which will see royalties flow back to songwriters, composers and authors.

Akhtar has taken it upon himself to launch the fight for authors in India and has faced a lot of opposition. He accused the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) of using the rights of authors and composers for the benefit of studios, cinemas and producers.

Starting point

Invited by the WCS to tell his story, Javed proclaimed at the event, "My troubles started when I applied for a position as a member of the board of the IPRS.

I understood that it was urgent to convince the government to amend the law so that they protect the authors. Today, we are about to reach our dream. The law will be passed in the coming months."

Javed's interview was well received. Guy Fletcher, chairman of PRS For Music said, "Javed enabled us to better understand the injustices Indian creators have been suffering."