Tuning out piracy Thursday, February 05, 2009 04:00 [IST]"AR Rahman works so hard on his music and then his fans go out and buy poor quality pirated CDs or download it from the internet<http://movies.indiainfo.com/2009/02/05/0902050402_singers.html#> "
Mumbai <http://movies.indiainfo.com/2009/02/05/0902050402_singers.html#>: The Indian music industry has been fighting a long-drawn battle with piracy for years. But this time, the whole music<http://movies.indiainfo.com/2009/02/05/0902050402_singers.html#>fraternity including record labels, music directors, singers and songwriters are planning to come together and start an organised movement. The plan, which is at a nascent stage at the moment, will involve awareness campaigns, stage shows and road shows. Music director Monty Sharma says that he has been speaking to friends<http://movies.indiainfo.com/2009/02/05/0902050402_singers.html#>about forming an organised body. "We are in the planning stages and I can't do name dropping at this point. I have been in talks with several people in the industry and everyone wants to do something about it." Regarding the plan of action, he says, "After we mobilize, we know that we will need stars to back our cause because when a star speaks the public listens. As of now, we have planned to involve big names like Amitabh Bachchan <http://movies.indiainfo.com/2009/02/05/0902050402_singers.html#>, Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan<http://movies.indiainfo.com/2009/02/05/0902050402_singers.html#>." Prasoon Joshi points out that there is a tough task ahead for the industry. "I think music lovers should understand that a lot of effort goes into making music. For instance, AR Rahman works so hard on his music and then his fans go out and buy poor quality pirated CDs or download it from the internet <http://movies.indiainfo.com/2009/02/05/0902050402_singers.html#>. The movement should be about creating awareness about the fact that piracy is a crime." He also says that he will suggest measures like signing up for official online downloads and cuts in the price of original CDs. Bappi Lahiri says that he is eager to contribute to this cause. "We have been discussing this issue at the music director body meetings. We are not getting any royalties because of piracy. And I will be glad to join in this campaign." http://movies.indiainfo.com/2009/02/05/0902050402_singers.html -- regards, Vithur
