Discordant new year notes: Music industry loses Rs 100 crore during celebrations

New Year may be a time for merry making for most of us, but the music industry virtually mourns the celebrations as it loses over Rs 100 crore...

New Year may be a time for merry making for most of us, but the music industry virtually mourns the celebrations as it loses over Rs 100 crore due to the non-compliance of the copyright laws in the country. According to the Phonographic Performances (PPL), an apex-licensing arm of Indian Music Industry, during events such as celebrations on the eve of new year, the music industry loses more than Rs 100 crore as discos, banquet halls, pubs and restaurants evade the payment of license fee on the music played there.

“Contrary to normal days, when food & drink is the main attractions on places of hang-out, on the eve of new-year, it is the music which remains the biggest crowd puller and all those who play music on such occasions did not pay the fee and it is a big loss to us,” Soumya Chaudhry, National Head (Event) PPL said.

According to a study conducted by Assocham, youngsters in the age group of 20-30 years working in the services industry such as BPOs, hospitality and aviation are willing to shell out Rs 15,000- 20,000 for the year-end celebrations and others in the 30-45 age bracket are likely to spend about Rs 10,000 in budgeted hotels and restaurants.

Story continues below this ad

Such events bring in a lot of profit and disco owners in all big cities are making special efforts to encash the opportunity, without paying the license fee, Choudhry said. On the other hand, hotel owners are saying that they are willing to pay but there are some confusions regarding the law of copyrights in music industry as too many players such as recording studios, music companies, artist associations and those having territorial rights are demanding money from them.

“There are too many players charging fee at the same time and we are not sure as to whom and when we should pay,” a National Restaurants Association of India official said.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

‘Did Nazis ask Jews to leave?’: Netanyahu defies genocide allegations against Israel

World3 hr ago

Netanyahu defends Israel's actions in Gaza, blaming Hamas for using civilians as shields. He criticizes world leaders for appeasing evil and condemns their condemnation of Israel. He addresses recent attacks by Hamas and vows to bring all hostages home. The conflict has led to thousands of deaths, according to Hamas-run authorities.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS