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| By Samarth Pathak |
| The much publicised dispute between producer Rakesh Roshan and composer Ram Sampath over the music rights of songs featured in the movie Krazzy4, has finally come to an end. Pronouncing a landmark judgement which was remarkably speedy in its delivery, the court ruled in favour of the complainant, Ram Sampath. In an out of court settlement, the jingle composer received Rs 2 crore as compensation. The issue was raised by the composer, who found that his composition The Thump, that he had made for a commercial of Sony Ericsson, had been incorporated in some tracks of the movie Krazzy4, without his consent. After the case was resolved, Ram Sampath told the media that this case was the first of its kind in India, and would be a benchmark for future copyright infringement cases. This controversy highlights the sensitive nature of copyright infringement in the entertainment industry. But this case is not the first. Bollywood has had a number of controversies in the past, related to copyright issues. The noted music director, Anu Malik, has been in the news many times for allegedly lifting tunes from other artistes. His composition for the song I love you in the movie Auzar, featuring Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty, was considered by many to have been copied from the Qawwali, Allah Hoo, made famous by the singer par excellence, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Jatin-Lalit's composition Haan Haan Yeh Pyaar Hai from the movie Dillagi was said to be lifted from the classic Frankie Valli song, Can't Take My Eyes off Of You. Koi Nahi Tere Jaisa from the movie Keemat, composed by Rajesh Roshan, seemed to be similar to the peppy dance number Cotton Eye Joe, popularised by the band Rednex. The classic song Tirchi Topi Wale from the movie Tridev was very similar to the Gloria Estefan number, Rhythm Is Gonna Get You. Many such instances of alleged copyright infringement have been reported in the past, while music directors claim that they are just 'inspired' from these melodies. Says singer Rabbi Shergill, "Copyright infringement is a very serious issue. A composer prepares music after hard work, and a lot of creativity goes into it. It is very frustrating for the composer if his work is not acknowledged. So this 'lifting of tunes' must be discouraged. How can anyone, in the guise of creative freedom, just copy music? It is sad, but prevalent in the present day music scenario. Many times, it is also appreciated by the audience. But it not the people's fault. Since they can only enjoy what they are exposed to, it is the duty of the authorities and music fraternity itself to promote quality and original work." In a survey conducted by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) in 2006, India was found to have a 56 per cent music piracy rate, and ranked eighth in the top 10 countries of the world. Though the Copyright Act of 1957, and Intellectual property Rights are applicable under the Indian law to protect the original works of an artiste, but still copying of tunes is common in the Indian music scene. Since many of the alleged music lifters are influential and well known in the country, the talented composers whose work is stolen remain unknown. In a fear of ruining their careers, many choose to remain silent and don't take action to protect their work. But with music makers like Ram Sampath trying to break the mould, hopefully cases of music piracy would lessen and result in fresh and original music for the audience. Says Sufi sensation Kailash Kher, "To curb copying of music, awareness needs to be generated amongst the people. There is also the need of some strong individuals who are willing to take up this cause and stand against what is wrong. What Ram Sampath did was a very courageous thing. It will certainly help in checking the misuse of creativity done in Indian music. Copying music is wrong and immoral. It is like a slap on the face of a musician when he finds that the fruits of his hard work and talent are being reaped by someone else. Creativity is very personal, and hence someone who copies music cannot call himself a musician." Copycat Bollywood Film: Hum Kisis Se Kam Nahi Film: Kya Kehna Film: Maine Pyar Kiya Film: Parinda Film: Jhuk Gaya Aasman Film: Hamesha Film: Judaai Film: Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahi |
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Arjun
Cricket
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