Yash Raj Films Has Pocketed Inr Crores Worth Royalties Belonging To Artists And Music Producers
Yash Raj Films has pocketed INR 100 crores worth royalties belonging to artists and music producers
The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) which represents composers, lyricists and music producers has accused Bollywood production house Yash Raj Films (YRF) of unauthorisedly collecting over Rs 100 crore in music royalties belonging to members of IPRS.
In an FIR filed with Mumbai police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW), IPRS has alleged that YRF has prevented it from collecting royalties from telecom companies, radio stations, and music streaming platforms by pressuring artistes into signing illegal agreements.
The FIR, which names YRF directors Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra, says that it is the sole and exclusive right of IPRS to collect the royalties. It concludes that since YRF has forced artists to sign 'dubious' contracts it is clear that it has been pocketing the money that rightfully belongs to these lyricists, musicians, singers and music producers.
A police officer who does not want to get identified said, “The FIR had registered under sections 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Copyright Act.”
IPRS is also the sole authorized body to issue licenses permitting usage of registered music within India. It collects royalties on behalf of its members for commercial use of music at radio stations, television channels, streaming sites, and public performances.
There was no comment received from YRF till the time of filing this report. While an executive of the production house requested media source to send a questionnaire by email, there was no response received by this paper. Repeated calls and messages also went unanswered.
