Bollywood music label giant T-series on Wednesday denied actor Abhay Deol’s allegations that they were deliberately stalling the album release of his debut production One By Two. The Dev D actor-producer on Tuesday turned up on the red carpet of Screen Awards ceremony in Mumbai with a mock black eye. It was his symbolic protest against the music giant and alleged that they were arm-twisting him to gain signatures of musicians on contracts that forbid them from claiming ownership or royalty for the songs. But the music label issued a statement following his outburst.
“After reading media stories on the music release of the film One By Two we are compelled to issue this press release to clear the erroneous understanding and misconceptions being seeded in the media. Viacom 18 represented to us that they own all the rights for the said film including its music rights free of any encumbrances. And based on their representation, warranties and indemnities, we acquired the said music rights from Viacom 18 solely based on their express representations with a clear understanding that they will share the link agreements with authors and composers to complete the chain of title. Viacom 18 has assigned these rights to us and have further indemnified us against any claims or losses and thus the onus of providing a clear chain of title lies with Viacom 18. We fail to understand why we are being brought into this mess between the Right holder (Viacom 18) and the Producer (Mr. Abhay Deol),” said Neeraj Kalyan, president of T-Series in a statement.
He added that his company has never indulged in illegal business practices.
“None of our agreements are against the law (as is being painted in the media) and in-fact have been adopted by us after exercising due diligence and obtaining expert legal advice and are perfectly in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act, 1957 and the same cannot be said to be illegal in any manner whatsoever. T-Series as a label respects and has always respected the rights of authors, composers and performers and has been regularly entering into agreements which are in consonance with the applicable provisions of the Copyright Act, 1957,” he added.
Meanwhile, several Indian musicians have lent their support to Deol’s effort in supporting the popular trio, who have composed the One By Two album.
Following Deol’s remonstration at the Life OK Screen Awards, celebrities took to Twitter to share their sentiments on the issue:
Sonu Nigam: The movie and music of ‘One By Two’ deserves your mad support now all the more. You have to do it for the sake of justice and order.
Sunidhi Chauhan: Hats off to you Abhay Deol. I’m speechless at your stand. Respect. Always.
Kailash Kher: Appreciate Abhay Deol’s stand, he had choice but he chose to save art and artistes from illegal contracts. Hope all actors and producers join this.
Shreya Ghoshal: Abhay Deol you are truly a brave heart! You are the first producer to speak up against the wrong. The entire music fraternity is with you.
Vishal Dadlani: Today, Abhay Deol has shown he is a man of principles and courage. He’s won the admiration and thanks of the entire film music fraternity.
Ehsaan Noorani: Whatever happens whether the music releases or not ‘One By Two’ film needs all your support people!
Alisha Chinai: Abhay Deol thanks a billion for supporting the music fraternity. No more illegal contracts for us. Boycott the music mafia!
Mahalakshmi Iyer: Abhay Deol, respect! As a young producer you have shown guts and gumption to take them on. The music fraternity will be eternally grateful!
Sophie Choudry: Abhay Deol, massive respect. May your courage be contagious!
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The Screen Awards will be telecast on January 25 at 8pm on Life OK Channel
