Akhtar says Bhatt opposed creatives' royalty rights

Javed Akhtar revealed that filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt opposed the 2012 Copyright Act, which secured lifelong royalties for creatives. This law aimed to protect the rights of writers, lyricists, and other creative professionals. Akhtar spearheaded the Copyright (Amendment) Act, facing opposition from filmmakers like Bhatt and Yash Chopra. He recounted how he became involved after being asked to lead the Indian Performing Right Society, realizing the exploitation faced by creatives. The 2012 Act amended the 1957 Copyright Act, ensuring creators retained rights to their work and earned royalties for life, a significant shift in the industry's practices.