International music comes to Bollywood

Bollywood music, in all its originality, has always managed to capture hearts across the world. While musicians are now looking for influences worldwide, it is becoming imperative to seek permission from music labels to license out songs. Sony ATV, Sony Music Entertainment’s publishing arm, has been an active participant in spreading the message of copyright infringement. With copyright issues surging across the country, musicians are now making a conscious effort to channel their creativity more carefully and seeking permission wherever required.

Sony ATV’s core idea is to manage and exploit music across borders while working around publishing rights still remain a major part of the business. Sony Music Entertainment globally has some of the best artistes under their label. With music influences crossing barriers, Bollywood musicians are increasingly looking for popular musical inspirations to present their works and approaching the music label for permission for the same.

Recently, Agent Vinod’s ‘I’ll do the talking’ has been creating ripples for adding Boney M’s evergreen melody Rasputin to the song.  Ace music director Pritam approached Sony ATV to take permission for the song which has today become a huge hit with the audiences. In a similar light, Ra.One song Dilbara obtained the license to use Ben E King’s Stand By Me from Sony ATV. Both these international melodies have been licensed out to the respective musicians in order to stay well within their copyright periphery. By licensing the songs out, Sony Music now has 2 of the biggest hits of the year under their umbrella.

Says Vinit Thakker, Head Sony ATV says “ The publishing industry is finally picking up its pace in India. As composers continuously turn to us to license out some our properties, it is overwhelming to see that people are taking care to follow copyright rules. Considering that we now have 2 of the biggest hits of the year, we see greater potential in licensing and publishing and hope that musicians abide by copyright laws.” 

Sony ATV India also ensures corrective as well as punitive action against those using its music without necessary license through collaborative efforts with local law-keeping authorities.