It was just too much for the legendary poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar to take, and it soon became a war of words between him and Aamir. Says an eyewitness, "Aamir made it clear that he felt a song becomes a hit because it is picturised on a big star. To this Javed saab asked him, 'Your first big song was Papa kehte hain. Did it make you a star or did you make that a song run?'" Aamir Khan Javed Akhtar
Temperatures in the room started rising, but Aamir stuck to his stand. "When Aamir again insisted that it's the star who makes a bigger contribution to a song becoming a hit, Javed retorted, 'Your so-called contribution is nothing but interference. We lyricists would be eternally grateful if you keep your so-called contribution to yourself. We manage to do good work not because of, but in spite of your contribution.'"
Needless to say, Aamir was growing hot under the collar at this direct confrontation. "But when Aamir went a step further to claim that in any film, a writer contributes more than a song-writer to the film, it was the last straw for Javed. He said, 'Good for Chetan Bhagat'."
News of the altercation spread like wildfire in the industry. When contacted, Javed Akhtar said, "I wouldn't like to comment on what happened between me and Aamir. But this is not just a matter about lyricists, but all writers. Certain royalties have to be paid to writers, which in our film industry, aren't paid properly. We writers are almost like bonded labourers. There is no room for us to profit in any way. But the government is making suitable amendments in the favour of writers and musician's. This amendment will benefit everyone, including classical musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar, who has spoken up in favour of the amendment."
When pressed to comment on what transpired between Aamir, who represented film producers, and himself, Javed said, "Why just Aamir? They were all against it. The producers and music companies were till now forcing us to write off all rights. The Cabinet has now sanctioned the change, but producers, led by certain stars, are trying to stall it. We aren't living in a feudal age - we have our rights. And producers have to understand this. All the lyricists, writers and musicians have joined hands to fight this issue together. I am not alone."
Your so-called contribution is nothing but interference — Javed Akhtar
Copyright 2008 Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. . All rights reserved.
Pati Patni Aur Panga
Kumkum Bhagya
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