Yash Raj Films (YRF), one of the largest production houses in the country, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Everyone's eyes are on making some big announcements on this occasion. Meanwhile, the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) has registered an FIR on Yash Raj Films. IPRS, representing composers, lyricists and music producers, has accused Yash Raj Films of unauthorized collection of nearly Rs 100 crores from IPRS members' music royalties.
In an FIR filed in the Economic Offenses Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police, the IPRS has alleged that YRF has tried to force artists to sign illegal agreements and prevent them from collecting royalties from telecom companies, radio stations and music streaming platforms. IPRS says that Rs 100 crores is only a small part of the actual figure. In future, similar complaints will be registered against other production houses and studios in which a large number of scams will come to light.
The FIR registered included YRF directors Aditya Chopra and Uday Chopra. Accordingly, the production house cannot collect royalties on behalf of artists and music producers as it is the right of IPRS. The YRF refused to give any kind of response on this issue at present. IPRS is an association of musicians, music directors, lyricists and music publishers. It is the only authorized entity to permit the use and license of music in India.
