Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; March 20, 2014)

With music labels getting revived, looks like singers and composers — who have been seeking royalty for their songs — may get their due after all. Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has now revived his music label, Mukta Music, where musicians who have worked on the music for his film Kaanchi will be entitled to royalty. Salim Merchant of the music director duo, Salim- Sulaiman, confirms the news. “Yes, it’s true that we have retained our royalty rights for this film.”

Sonu Nigam, who has been at the forefront of this battle between musicians and music companies, points out that he is happy with Ghai’s decision to give musicians their due. He says, “This is an honourable gesture on his (Subhash Ghai’s) part. He didn’t have his singers and composers go through the embarrassing routine of negotiations. A true stalwart and an industry senior, he has followed the law. In fact, I feel bad about not attending his film’s music launch due to my ill-health. But I want it to be known that I will make up for it as Subhashji is truly a large-hearted man.”

Ghai says, “We must respect all creative people and the law. If certain rules governing music royalty have been laid down, it’s only fair that I follow them. Exploitation from either party is bad for the industry, irrespective of the reason.”