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Tag: Javed Akhtar

  • NDTV India’s ‘Creators Manch’ brings together India’s finest minds for a cultural crescendo

    NDTV India’s ‘Creators Manch’ brings together India’s finest minds for a cultural crescendo

    MUMBAI: In a world drowning in content, NDTV India’s ‘Creators Manch’ is cutting through the noise with meaning, memory and melody. The inaugural edition of this cultural gathering is set to unfold in the capital today, bringing together some of India’s most loved creators—across generations and genres—for a day-long celebration of creativity in all its avatars.

    From literary giants Javed Akhtar and Kumar Vishwas, to cinematic minds like Imtiaz Ali and bestselling authors like Chetan Bhagat, the stage is set for a stellar convergence. Joining them are powerhouse voices such as Anvita Dutt, Jaya Kishori, Satya Vyas, Aditi Maheshwari, Arpana Caur, and Milee Ashwarya, as well as poets, editors, artists and cultural custodians who together form the beating heart of contemporary Indian expression.

    Held at a time when content is currency and creativity is power, Creators Manch promises more than panels—it’s a platform where verses clash with virality, and tradition dances with technology.

    Over 16 sessions, the event dives deep into themes like poetry in public life, storytelling in the digital age, and art in an algorithmic world. Expect one-on-one interviews, passionate panels, writing workshops, live performances and a grand finale featuring Kabir Café, whose soulful fusion of mystic poetry and modern rhythms promises to end the evening on a transcendent note.

    “Creators Manch is a platform built not just to showcase creativity, but to honour the people behind it – those who express the spirit of the times and gently shape its future,” said NDTV CEO and editor-in-chief, Rahul Kanwal.

    In an age of scrolls and soundbites, Creators Manch stands out for its depth, dialogue and daring. It’s not just a celebration—it’s a cultural intervention.

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  • Entertainment bigwigs and global IP gurus mull over AI, royalties and rights

    Entertainment bigwigs and global IP gurus mull over AI, royalties and rights

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s glitterati of lyricists, composers, and legal eagles gathered for a confabulation with World Intellectual  Property Organization (WIPO),  deputy director general Sylvie Forbin, courtesy of the Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS).

    The topic?

     Intellectual property rights (IPR), the rise of AI, and how to keep the creative juices flowing in a digital age.

    Held under the watchful eye of legendary lyricist and IPRS chairman Javed Akhtar, the closed-door roundtable was a veritable who’s who of India’s music and entertainment scene. From Vishal Dadlani’s vocal chords to Kausar Munir’s poetic prose, all were present to discuss the future of creativity.

    “The music community has always shown resilience to overcome the challenges brought as well by technological advances,” Forbin declared, clearly impressed by India’s grasp of the AI conundrum. “They have adapted in the best way by showing a strong alliance between them. I am impressed by India’s knowledge and assessment of what would be needed when it comes to the AI revolution and happy to go along with Indian creators to foster regulatory, business, and technological solutions to engage in this new era with the necessary tools and safeguards. Long life to Indian music!”

    Akhtar, never one to mince words, stressed:  “The music industry has always been at the forefront of technological breakthrough. The music community has always shown resilience to overcome the challenges brought as well by technological advances. They have adapted in the best way by showing a strong alliance between them. I am impressed by India’s knowledge and assessment of what would be needed when it comes to the AI revolution and happy to go along with Indian creators to foster regulatory, business, and technological solutions to engage in this new era with the necessary tools and safeguards. Long life to Indian music!,” 

    The session, a proper meeting of minds, covered everything from strengthening IP frameworks to navigating the AI revolution. Key takeaways included the need for robust metadata, empowered collective management organisations (CMOs), and a stronger voice for creators in policy-making.

    “Having WIPO at the table added immense value, bringing international expertise and highlighting collaborative efforts to strengthen IP frameworks across nations. SWA and SRAI as representatives of screenwriters and lyricists strive for the rights of the creators and it is good to see all the stakeholders coming together to discuss the betterment of creators and protection of Intellectual Property,” said  Screenwriters Association general secretary Zaman Habib.

    The event, a veritable feast of ideas, saw participants calling for a unified voice to drive India’s cultural and economic growth. They also emphasised the importance of copyright education, data integrity, and international cooperation.

    “It was a great opportunity to listen to Sylvie and express our thoughts.We truly appreciate the initiative by the one and only IPRS in supporting India’s rapidly evolving entertainment and music landscape,” said Simca secretary general Sridhar J Swaminathan.

    With AI looming large, the roundtable was a timely reminder that creativity needs protection, and that India’s creative community is ready to fight its corner. It’s clear that when it comes to safeguarding artistic rights, they’re not about to play second fiddle.

    Key Takeaways from the Roundtable:
    * IP as a Growth Enabler: Strengthening IP frameworks is essential for fostering innovation and supporting India’s growing creative industries.
    * Global-Local Synergy: Engagement with WIPO highlighted the importance of international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
    * Preparing for the AI Era: A strong focus on evolving digital rights, metadata management, and ethical guidelines to navigate emerging technologies.
    * Institutional Strengthening: The need for proactive government support, legal clarity, and empowered CMOs (collective management organisations) to enforce rights.
    * Building a Unified Voice: The event marked a milestone in uniting diverse voices to drive long-term impact on India’s cultural and economic growth.
    * Elevating the Role of Creators in Policy-Making: Formal inclusion of creators in national IP and digital policy formulation was strongly advocated.
    * Copyright Education & Awareness: Emphasis on educating both creators and consumers on IP rights to reduce misuse and promote informed practices.
    * Strengthening collective management organisations (CMOs): Modernisation and transparency of CMOs were recognized as pivotal for trust and efficiency.
    * Data and Metadata Integrity: The need for robust crediting systems through better metadata was highlighted to ensure fair attribution and royalties.
    * Cultural Exchange and International Cooperation: The role of WIPO in encouraging global partnerships was applauded, with a call for more international dialogue.
    * Youth and Innovation: Recognising the contribution of young creators and startups in redefining the future of creative economies.

     

  • Hair today, yakeen tomorrow as Traya shifts the narrative on hair loss

    Hair today, yakeen tomorrow as Traya shifts the narrative on hair loss

    MUMBAI: Losing hair is tough, but losing faith in solutions is tougher. Traya, India’s first health-tech brand dedicated to tackling hair loss from within, has launched its latest campaign, Umeed Nahi Yakeen Karo! (Don’t Just Hope, Believe!). With the unmistakable voice of legendary lyricist Javed Akhtar, the film urges people to move beyond fleeting hope and embrace science-backed trust in hair regrowth.

    The campaign follows the familiar frustration of men battling hair loss, dabbling in home remedies, falling for flashy marketing gimmicks, and watching their hopes fade with their hairlines. But Traya offers something different: not just hope, but clinical proof. Their latest breakthrough study shows that Traya’s personalised regimen is three times more effective than 5 per cent Minoxidil alone, globally considered the gold standard for hair growth.

    “Hair loss affects more than just appearance, it impacts one’s sense of identity and self-worth. With our Umeed Nahi Yakeen Karo! campaign, we want to shift the conversation from doubt to faith, encouraging people to believe in genuine solutions,” says Traya co-founder Saloni Anand. “We chose Javed Akhtar’s iconic voice for the deep emotional connection he brings. His words create a sense of authenticity that reflects our commitment to making hair regrowth journeys relatable. This campaign is about breaking free from false promises and inspiring consumers to embrace a solution backed by science. “While helping people regrow their hair, at Traya, we’re also helping them reclaim their self-belief.”

    With a staggering 93 per cent efficacy rate and over 800,000 customers nationwide, Traya is leading a new wave in hair loss treatment. Unlike conventional approaches, the brand combines Ayurveda, dermatology, and nutrition to address the root causes of hair loss rather than just masking the symptoms. The campaign film has been rolled out across digital platforms, including Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram, and is further amplified through Whatsapp marketing and email campaigns.

  • Sony Music and Tiger Baby birth new label, Tiger Baby Records

    Sony Music and Tiger Baby birth new label, Tiger Baby Records

    MUMBAI: Sony Music Entertainment India and Tiger Baby have unveiled Tiger Baby Records, a fresh joint venture designed to champion emerging talent and weave musical narratives. This new label, a fusion of Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti’s creative clout, and Ankur Tewari’s musical vision, with Sony Music’s global reach, promises to shake up the Indian music scene.

    Tiger Baby Records has already made waves, collaborating with jewellery brand Tanishq on a wedding song composed by Abhishek-Ananya and performed by Poorvi Koutish, directed by Kagti. They’ve also released the soundtrack for “Superboys of Malegaon,” featuring compositions by Sachin-Jigar and lyrics by Javed Akhtar.

    The label will also showcase original music curated by Tewari, highlighting diverse styles and emerging artists. To further support budding talent, Tiger Baby Records is launching the “City Sessions” initiative, in partnership with Mumbai’s Island City Studios. This program will offer a platform for artists to experiment and collaborate in a dynamic environment.

    “Tiger Baby Records represents a new era of music in India, where compelling storytelling and groundbreaking collaborations take center stage. We are thrilled to be part of this journey, pushing boundaries and bringing fresh, authentic voices to the forefront of the industry and are excited to partner with Zoya, Kagti, and Tewari, who have an exceptional track record in music and creative storytelling,” said Sony Music Entertainment India managing director Vinit thakkar.

    “Music has always been a vital part of our storytelling, and with Tiger Baby Records, we want the music to be the main story. Partnering with Sony Music India allows us to bring our vision to life and provide a platform for indie, homegrown talent to shine,” commented Tiger Baby Films co-founder Zoya.

    “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for us at Tiger Baby. With Tiger Baby Records, we aim to delve into the diverse soundscapes of the subcontinent and represent them globally. By collaborating with brands and upcoming artists, we hope to have this music reach a large audience,” added, Tiger Baby Films co-founder Kagti.

    “Tiger Baby Records is all about fostering an environment where creativity thrives. I’m thrilled to be a part of this journey where we get to build a legacy with artists who are using the power of their voice to express freely,” said, Tiger Baby Films singer-songwriter & music supervisor at Tewari.

  • IPRS celebrates 55 years with ‘Soundscapes of India – Gateway to the World’

    IPRS celebrates 55 years with ‘Soundscapes of India – Gateway to the World’

    Mumbai: On the occasion of its 55th anniversary, The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd (IPRS) has launched ‘Soundscapes of India – Gateway to the World’ in collaboration with MusiConnect India, scheduled from 31 August to 2 September 2024. Set against the backdrop of India’s bustling capital, New Delhi, the Global Music Summit will convene 11 international festival directors representing 13 world music festivals, alongside industry leaders, domain experts, and trailblazing creators from music industry to explore avenues for international collaboration, cultural exchange, and the immense potential to elevate India music and its creators onto the global stage.

    IPRS’s recent journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, solidifying its role as an essential pillar for music creators and owner publishers. As the sole music copyright society representing authors, composers, and publishers, our commitment goes beyond rights management to actively creating opportunities that empower and elevate careers.

    As India continues to emerge as a global music hub, garnering significant international attention, the global summit promises to be a platform for engaging discussions, networking and international collaboration. The conference will drive dialogues on global opportunities, preparing India for its next major leap in the international music market.

    The three-day event promises key note speeches, insightful panels, networking, connect corners, and music showcase.

    Event details:

    Day one: Seminar & conference 
    Date: 31 August | Venue: India International Centre, New Delhi
    Key note speeches, panels, fireside-chats, connect corner and networking

    IPRS has announced the distinguished presence of IPRS chairman Javed Akhtar, DPIIT senior consultant IPR Dr. Raghavender GR, Believe managing director for India & Southeast Asia Vivek Raina, IEMA senior director at Dolby Laboratories Karan Grover, lyricist, author, film director, and IPRS board member Mayur Puri, and Turnkey Music & Publishing managing director Atul Churamani, alongside a host of other eminent speakers and industry leaders at the conference.

    Sessions:

    1    The time is now: Amplifying India’s presence on the global music stage
    2    Navigating IP rights: Global insights and India’s evolving landscape
    3    Digital resonance: Looking forward to the decade – shifting trends and global dynamics
    4    Beyond borders: Exploring physical & digital frontiers – Insights and best practices in recording, publishing & live music
    5    Tourism through music: A complete cultural experience – Case studies and trends

    Days two & three: Music showcase and connect corner

    Dates: 1 & 2 September 2024 | Venue: The Piano Man, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi

    Performances by 15 outstanding artists and bands featuring the soundscapes of India. An eclectic showcase of India’s musical talent, representing a vibrant mix of musical genres and regional diversity.

    This showcase serves as a catalyst for discovery, where the Indian talent will connect directly with 11 top class festival directors representing 13 leading international festivals to explore opportunities for future performances and cross-border collaborations. It aims to be a strategic  networking and collaboration platform that bridges the  gap between local talent and global opportunities.

    International participation: 11 festival directors representing 13 leading international festivals from Poland, Hungary, France, Mongolia, Morocco, South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Slovakia, will be in attendance.

    Commenting on the event, The Indian Performing Right Society CEO Rakesh Nigam said, “IPRS is glad to collaborate with MusiConnect India in creating global opportunities for India’s diverse talent across genres and geographies. Soundscapes of India – Gateway to the World, coinciding with IPRS’s 55th Anniversary, marks a new milestone in our long and impactful journey. It is poised to be a landmark event, not only envisioning the future of the music industry but also positioning India as a key player on the global stage. The global music conference on day one serves as a precursor to the two-day music showcase,  where independent artists and music creators from various regions will present their work to top international festival directors.

    At IPRS, we understand the crucial role that music plays in shaping our nation’s creative identity. This conference highlights the vast potential of our cultural heritage and reaffirms IPRS’s commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities for our creators. We are delighted to join forces with key stakeholders in the music industry, both in India and abroad, to chart a dynamic future for India’s musical talent.”

    “Soundscapes of India aims to highlight the value of local, traditional, and independent music by unlocking its market potential on a global scale. This initiative aspires to create a platform that showcases the incredible diversity of Indian music, featuring both celebrated artists and those whose music are seldom heard. As an artist-driven venture, Soundscapes of India is committed to creating opportunities that benefit Indian music creators, connecting them with presenters and opportunities worldwide.”, added MusiConnect India founder director, MusiConnect Asia president, Global Music Market Network vice president Kaushik Dutta.

    Secure your spot free of cost for the Global Music Conference on 31 August on Paytm Insider.

  • India’s first masculine positivity show ‘Be A Man, Yaar!’ makes history

    India’s first masculine positivity show ‘Be A Man, Yaar!’ makes history

    Mumbai: GenZ-driven youth media and impact organisation, Yuvaa is proud to announce that its trailblazing talk show, ‘Be A Man, Yaar,’ gained international recognition with a prestigious feature on the iconic Times Square. With a mission to provide men a comfortable space to express themselves, host of the show Nikhil Taneja is now all set to cater to the international audiences.

    Redefining the traditional masculinity and promoting positive gender roles, ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ has achieved continued success in two consecutive years with some heartfelt conversations with the trailblazers from the Indian Entertainment Industry like Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal, Kartik Aaryan, Bhuvan Bam, Zakir Khan, Javed Akhtar, Naseeruddin Shah, and more. The feature on esteemed Times Square marks as a significant milestone in the show’s mission to showcase what it means to be a boy, a man, and a human.

    With the feature in International landscape in association with their audio partner Amazon Music, Yuvaa is ready to take the show to global South Asian audiences and spark meaningful conversations that resonate with audiences globally. Starting with the aim to make every Indian man feel less alone by making them feel more heard, more seen, and more represented, the show now aims to represent the vulnerable stories of men across the globe.

    Introducing ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ to an international audience, Nikhil Taneja also hosted a screening in New York for the South Asian media and entertainment community, in collaboration with renowned ‘desi’ publication, Brown Girl Magazine. Nikhil showcase the newly launched Season 2 of the series, set the context for the show and giving insights on how its season 1 was #1 podcast on Amazon Music last year and its Times Square feature. In a QnA with Trisha Sakhuja-Walia, founder of Brown Girl Magazine, Nikhil also spoke about his own journey with mental health and masculinity that led him to creating the show.

    Hosting notable names like Shivani Bafna, Kaneez Surka, Sudeep Kanwal, Hira Mustafa, Pulkit Datta, Hiba Beg, amongst others, the event focused on playing a few segments from the episodes featuring Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal, Bhuvan Bam and Javed Akhtar giving a cross-section and diverse flavour of the many facets of the show, and its idea to start a conversation around masculine positivity.

    On the Times Square milestone, Nikhil Taneja said, “It was a proud moment, as an Indian, to see our show on a billboard in Times Square, New York, alongside that of talk show icon Jon Stewart. I have the deepest gratitude to the team at Amazon Music, all our guests, partner and of course the incredible audience, that’s turned ‘Be A Man, Yaar!’ from just another chat show into a movement, a call for change, and an invitation to explore the depths of positive, vulnerable and authentic masculinity. The show’s international recognition is a testament to the power of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ in challenging traditional gender norms and promoting a more inclusive understanding of masculinity.”

    The second season of show features guests like Javed Akhtar, Kartik Aaryan, Bhuvan Bam, Manish Malhotra, Rohan Bopanna, Dr Vikas Divyakirti, Gajraj Rao, Boman Irani, Imran Khan, Ankush Bahuguna, Viraj Ghelani, Aryan Pasha and Prateek Kuhad, in an engaging, honest and candid conversation with Nikhil.

    New episodes of the thought-provoking talk show #BeAManYaar, presented by The Man Company are now live on Yuvaa’s YouTube channel, and the extended unfiltered versions of the episodes are exclusively available on Amazon Music.

  • Yuvaa Partners With The Man Company for second season of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’

    Yuvaa Partners With The Man Company for second season of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’

    Mumbai: It was in 2023 when Yuvaa- a popular GenZ-driven media organisation introduced India’s first chat show on positive masculinity called Be A Man, Yaar. The unique and heartfelt conversations with some of the popular men from showbiz, including Naseeruddin Shah, Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal, and Zakir Khan, caught the attention of millions, starting the much-needed conversation around men, their emotions, and positive masculinity. Now, in association with The Man Company, a leading male grooming brand, Yuvaa is coming back with season two of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’, and this time, it is all about the ‘humanity’ behind masculinity.

    To celebrate men from different fields and backgrounds, the second season of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ will witness Media Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Yuvaa, Nikhil Taneja engaging in candid, honest, authentic conversations about what it means to be a boy, a man, and a human with: Javed Akhtar, Kartik Aaryan, Bhuvan Bam, Manish Malhotra, Rohan Bopanna, Dr Vikas Divyakirti, Gajraj Rao, Boman Irani, Imran Khan, Ankush Bahuguna, Viraj Ghelani, Aryan Pasha and Prateek Kuhad.

    The trailer of the show launched today on Yuvaa’s YouTube channel, and from 10th July, the show aims to delve deeper into the conversations around mental health, loneliness, male friendships, therapy, fatherhood, insecurities, and of course, healthy relationships with women.

    Yuvaa and The Man Company share a vision of redefining masculinity and fostering a culture of positive male identity. ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ aims to provide a platform for men to express their true selves, break free from societal stereotypes, and engage in meaningful dialogues that promote mental well-being and emotional health. The Man Company, with its dedication to holistic grooming and personal development, complements this mission by encouraging men to lead lives of authenticity and compassion. Together, they strive to inspire a generation of confident, empathetic, and proud men to be themselves.

    Expressing his thoughts behind bringing the second season of the critically acclaimed show ‘Be A Man, Yaar’, Nikhil Taneja said, “Season 1 of Be A Man, Yaar! got an enormous amount of love for creating a safe space on the internet for men in the entertainment industry to have vulnerable and authentic conversations. In Season 2, we have more men, more laughs, more love, more hugs and a lot more vulnerability by iconic men from entertainment to sports to fashion to education. Our guests reflect the diversity of our country and the many ways in which men can learn and be human. I’m thrilled that The Man Company partnered with us on the mission to make masculinity more wholesome.”

    The Man Company founder & MD Hitesh Dhingra also expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting their shared mission of promoting positive masculinity, emphasizing their goal of encouraging men to embrace their individuality and lead with authenticity and compassion. He said, “At The Man Company, we believe in empowering men to embrace their individuality and cultivate confidence inside and out through grooming and a constant dialogue that urges them to bring out the #GentlemanInYou. Our collaboration with ‘Be A Man, Yaar!’ aligns perfectly with our goal to redefine masculinity and inspire men to rise above stereotypes and lead with authenticity, compassion, and gentleness.”

    With a reach of over 150 million and mentions by over 450 celebrities and creators, the first season of ‘Be A Man, Yaar’ featured candid conversations with notable figures like Vicky Kaushal, Karan Johar, Zakir Khan, and Naseeruddin Shah, exploring the concept of positive masculinity. Starring some unconventional discussions, the show became the flag bearer for positive communication for men around, bringing out their vulnerable emotions for the world to understand what it truly means to be a man!

    The extended unfiltered episodes will be available exclusively on Amazon Music.

  • IPRS inks MOU with KOMCA

    IPRS inks MOU with KOMCA

    Mumbai: The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) and KOMCA (Korea Music Copyright Association) have signed an MOU, whereby KOMCA and IPRS join hands to organise events that aim to enhance awareness, knowledge, and collaboration in the field of copyright (e.g. seminar on the latest copyright issues for the music industry), music creation (e.g. song-writing camp), and collective management (e.g. sharing experiences on best practices) for music creators. Fostering cross-border music between India and Korea.

    Music is the core cultural wealth of nations like India and Korea with melody being at the heart of popular music. Indian music with its legendary legacy emanating from its various regions has been a  top draw across the world. Blessed with catchy rhythms and chorus sections like Indian music, Korean Pop music is globally, well-received and amenable to blending with Indian music in its true elements. This, we believe, is just the beginning of a deeper association between the music talents of the two countries and will add a slew of listeners, consequently upping revenues. Given the open world we inhabit, it is in the best interest of the creators on both sides to be cognizant of their rights to maximize their earning potential. The MOU’s intent to arm the creators with this basic know-how has to be viewed in this light.

    With the IPRS ever alert to widening the reach of the Indian music industry, it was only a matter of time before a solid MOU between the two associations came to fruition. The MOU is the true harbinger of an expansion phase that will give the music industry a wider spectrum. IPRS members and other Indian artists are also in line for better royalties, recognition and newer opportunities with this new development.

    Legendary lyricist, screenwriter, poet, and IPRS chairman Javed Akhtar expressed his satisfaction with the same, stating, “The recently established collaboration with KOMCA ushers in a transformative period, encouraging a dynamic interchange of creation between India and Korea. Our narrative revolves around breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and envisioning a world where creators and creativity flourish. We look forward to more collaborative initiatives for our members in the near future. “

    Commenting on the same, IPRS CEO Rakesh Nigam shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “The MOU with KOMCA represents a pivotal step in fostering a dynamic cross-cultural music exchange between India and Korea. This collaboration symbolizes our commitment to nurturing creativity while ensuring creators’ rights are protected. The MOU is poised to be a pivotal step in creating a transformative journey that opens up new avenues for creative partnerships and innovation among our esteemed creator members.”

    KOMCA general manager Giseob You shared his views stating “KOMCA x IPRS MOU paves the path towards a stronger bond between the two societies. Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) and IPRS, representing the author-composers of two musically rich countries, will now work together to spread awareness on creators’ rights and create new opportunities for the promising talent of both countries through music collaborations and partnerships.”

  • Amazon Music presents India Pod Day, hosted by IVM Podcasts and Westland Books

    Amazon Music presents India Pod Day, hosted by IVM Podcasts and Westland Books

    Mumbai: Amazon Music presents an extraordinary live podcast event ‘India Pod Day’ hosted by India’s premiere podcast network ‘IVM Podcasts’ and an award-winning Indian publisher ‘Westland Books’. The event will take place on 17 October 2023 at St. Andrews Auditorium, Mumbai.

    Highlighting the event’s star-studded lineup, ‘India Pod Day’ will feature renowned figures like Javed Akhtar, the prolific lyricist, poet, screenplay writer and author joining live with Cyrus Broacha on his popular podcast, ‘Cyrus Says’ where he will talk about his recent released book ‘Talking Life’. Additionally, Hussain Zaidi, will go live on the podcast ‘Has It Aged Well’. Hussian is a prominent journalist and author, who is known for his bestselling books like Dongri To Dubai, Mafia Queens Of Mumbai and Black Friday.

    India Pod Day is set to bring together IVM Podcasts hosts and renowned authors for a day of insightful panel discussions, interactive workshops, and captivating live podcast experience.  The event will be specially dedicated to and shine the spotlight on IVM Podcast hosts.

    Designed to welcome both seasoned podcast aficionados and newcomers, India Pod Day will celebrate the dynamic medium of podcasting and its rapidly growing audience. It offers a unique opportunity to foster a community centred around smart listeners, and intelligent content and encourages the cross-pollination of diverse audiences.

    IVM Podcasts- Pratilipi head Amit Doshi said “India Pod Day is a milestone in the world of podcasting. We are thrilled to collaborate with Amazon Music to create an unforgettable experience for podcast enthusiasts. We cannot wait to see the connections and conversations that will emerge.”

    IVM Podcasts- Pratilipi co-founder Kavita Rajwade commented “India Pod Day will see innovation and creativity converge to showcase the incredible potential of the podcast medium. We will see voices meet stories, and stories create connections.”

    Westland Books business head Gautam Padmanabhan said, “We are delighted to be partnering with IVM and Amazon Music to foreground the conversation about new narratives and collaborative formats. Taking our books and writers to listeners and viewers as well as readers is an exciting prospect and an event like this allows us to explore the possibilities with a live audience.”

    India Pod Day promises an unforgettable day of inspiration, knowledge, and entertainment.

  • IPRS launches awareness drive on music licensing

    IPRS launches awareness drive on music licensing

    Mumbai: The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), India’s only copyright society representing authors, composers, and publishers of music is commencing a three-month-long campaign ‘License Liya Kya’ to educate music users on the different licensing needs and kinds of music licenses available.

    It will highlight the benefits of music licensing and the ease of procurement through a copyright society like the IPRS. Topics covered will include music licensing scenario in India, why music licensing matters, and the future of music licensing in the digital era. The campaign will witness talks with industry insiders and experts via virtual events, influencer programmes, and awareness-building initiatives.

    “We are glad to announce this campaign which will not only bring in awareness but will also highlight the importance of music licensing. We have always believed in creating a secure community for authors, composers, and music publishers,” said IPRS chairman Javed Akhtar. “Through this campaign, we aim to bring about gradual transformation and a mindset shift towards respecting and acknowledging ‘Fair Pay and Fair Play’ of Music. We have received a great response for our previous campaigns, and we look forward to receiving wholehearted support for this initiative as well.”

    According to the Music Consumer Study 2018, the old licensing process or the physical licensing process contributed only 10.7 per cent to the streaming revenue of the overall market. Only five per cent of the businesses took a license for the public performance of the music they play. However, after the introduction of digital licenses where people can take online licenses as well as can make online payments, digital sales began contributing 78.5 per cent to the revenue.

    As per a recent study by FICCI & EY Indian consumers spent 21.5 hours per week listening to music in 2020. While India’s average of 21.5 hours/week is higher than the global average of 17.8 hours/week, royalties to authors and composers make up only a small percentage of the media and entertainment industry’s total revenue.

    The objective of the IPRS with this campaign is to drive awareness towards Fair Pay and Fair Play in music by emphasising on the significance of abiding by licensing norms. The IPRS, registered under section 33 (3) of the Copyright Act, 1957 is entitled to grant licenses for usage of musical and literary works of its members for public performance and/or communication. There are different categories of tariffs depending on the premise, event, and medium – television, radio, internet streaming, etc where such musical work is used.  IPRS currently administers two types of licensing rights namely performing rights and mechanical rights.

    “With the launch of this campaign, we aim to create awareness on licensing and simultaneously felicitate our partners who have extended their support in endorsing fair trade music and upheld transparent and ethical value chain for authors, composers, and all music rights holders,” stated IPRS CEO Rakesh Nigam. “Through this initiative, IPRS would educate, inform and reinstate the need to listen to licensed music, thereby paving the path towards a flourishing future for the music industry and its creators.”

    Some of the earlier campaigns executed by IPRS include ‘Credit The Creators’ (addressing the need to acknowledge and credit creators of music), ‘Know Your Music’ (an initiative to promote different genres of Indian music and initiate transformation in the way audience engage with music) and ‘Her Music’ (addressing lack of women representation in the music industry and creating a forum to empower, encourage and celebrate women in music).