Chennai: Music Maestro Ilaiyaraaja has finally come out with an open statement clarifying that legal action will be taken against those who don’t take prior permission to sing his songs at events and concerts.

On November 27 , the composer released a three-minute video saying that as per rights granted by South Indian Musicians Association from

The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS), he is allowed to take legal action when his songs are sung without prior permission.

Speaking in Tamil , he said, “to all those who wish to sing my song, it is only good manners to get permission, and do things as per protocol… I don’t wish to hinder anyone’s talent. But the royalty I’m asking is from the money you earn by singing my songs, and not for the song you sing," he said.

He further said, “If artistes sing my songs in free concerts, they don’t have to pay me. But when they’re earning, why shouldn’t I have a share in it? I think this will be a beneficial move for upcoming artistes too.”

It may be recollected that Ilaiyaraaja had earlier sent a legal notice to singer SP Balasubrahmanyam, when he was performing in the United States during a world tour. The notice said that anyone singing his songs will be charged for copyright infringement, and will have to pay a hefty amount as damages. This created a sensation in the South Indian music industry ,because they both were considered as best friends since a long time. SP BalaSubramanyam said that he was ignorant of those laws and would abide by it and still continue to be friends with Ilaiyaraaja.

It is said that Ilayaraaja has authorised the South Indian Film Music Artistes' Association to collect the royalty and share the proceeds with musicians even though the Act says that royalty is to be shared amongst the composer, lyricist and audio owners only.

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