MUMBAI: Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has been recommended for the post of vice-president at International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC).
Akhtar, who spearheaded the Copyright Amendment Bill 2012 in India, has been fighting to get the act amended, keeping in mind the interest of the Indian music creative community over the past three years. The bill has sparked creators and corporates around the globe to understand Indian Copyright Act as well as appreciate the contribution of creative artistes in it.
This designation is both an explicit recognition of Akhtar's leading role in the Amendments and a global tribute to the unanimous passage of the Copyright Act in Parliament. Not only would this be the first time that a creator from Asia is elevated to the vice-presidency of CISAC, but it is the first time in its 87 years of existence that the CISAC board has designated candidates to the General Assembly.
The company statement reads: "In its last meeting ahead of the General Assembly in Washington on 6 June, the board of directors of CISAC have forwarded to the Assembly the name of Akhtar as its unanimously designated candidate for the vice-presidency of CISAC for his infatigable advocacy in favour of creators rights."
The board also recommended the name of famous French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre to succeed Robin Gibb, who passed away last year, as president of the global body.
Once confirmed by the General Assembly, Akhtar's role will represent the three million creators registered with the 231 Authors' Societies and Guilds in 121 countries and, based on his successful experience in India, help mobilize and lobby for their rights with governments and in various international fora. He will also be among the eminent panelists at the World Creators Summit on 3 -5 June in Washington.