Renowned lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar has lauded the Indian government for its strict implementation and strengthening of copyright laws, calling it a decisive step toward ensuring fair compensation and recognition for creators in the country. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Akhtar, who also serves as the Chairman of the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), emphasized the importance of robust legal frameworks to protect the intellectual property of artists, writers, and musicians in an evolving digital landscape.
Akhtar praised the government’s commitment to reinforcing the rights of creators, noting that the past year had been particularly significant for India’s creative community. “Artists earned around ₹730 crore in royalties last year, which reflects the growing recognition of their work and the impact of improved copyright enforcement,” he said. He further credited the collective efforts of policymakers, creators, and rights organizations in achieving this milestone.
The lyricist highlighted how stronger copyright protections have transformed the Indian music and entertainment industries, fostering an environment where creators can thrive. He stressed that respecting copyright not only safeguards the livelihood of artists but also nurtures innovation and cultural diversity. “Every song, poem, or composition is a product of creativity and effort. Protecting that through law is essential for the progress of the arts,” Akhtar remarked.
In addition to discussing copyright issues, Akhtar addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in creative fields. While acknowledging AI’s potential to revolutionize artistic processes, he urged for responsible and ethical use of technology. “Artificial intelligence should be used to assist creativity, not replace it,” he said, cautioning against the misuse of AI-generated content that could infringe upon original works.
Akhtar welcomed the government’s balanced approach toward regulating AI in the creative sector, highlighting the importance of setting clear boundaries to prevent copyright violations while encouraging innovation. “Technology is a powerful ally when used responsibly. The future of art and music will depend on how we blend creativity with ethics,” he noted.
The lyricist’s remarks come at a time when India’s creative industry is witnessing rapid technological transformation. With the rise of streaming platforms, digital distribution, and AI-assisted composition tools, maintaining a fair and transparent system for artist compensation has become more crucial than ever.
Under Akhtar’s leadership, the IPRS has been actively working to streamline royalty collection and distribution mechanisms, ensuring that artists receive their rightful dues for every commercial use of their work. The society has also emphasized collaboration with global rights organizations to align India’s copyright standards with international best practices.
Javed Akhtar’s endorsement of the government’s policies underscores a broader commitment to fostering a sustainable and ethical creative ecosystem—one that celebrates originality while adapting to technological change. As India continues to strengthen its copyright regime and embrace responsible AI use, the nation’s artistic community stands poised to benefit from a more equitable and innovative future.
