Harivanshrai Bachchan was a highly acclaimed poet whose works are respected throughout the country. It is his son, who for all these years had been the rightful owner of his works according to ‘Term of Copyright in Posthumous Work’.
However, it seems that this clause is only valid for 60 years and then after heirs of the dead author may lose rights over the author’s work.
“Written copyright and whatever else in the realm, lives 60 years after the passing with the elements of them that be rightful. Really? So, who designed 60 years? Why 60 why not 61, or why not perpetuity! Inheritors that come as natural heirs be natural right holders of creative copyright…right… but after 60 years it’s natural inheritors, after the passing, the heirs become the public at large .. ehh …?,” Big B wrote on his blog, extremely upset and seemingly ‘angry’.
Madhushala, Agnipath, Ruke Na Tu, Himmat Karne Walon Ki Haar Nahi Hoti, are some of Harivansh Raiji’s most acclaimed works.
“I oppose, disagree, lament, dispute, be in variance of, in vehement loud screams of voice. Ever. My inheritance be mine… His writings be his, his heir be me, his writings be mine… Mine. I shall not and will not allow its dilution to the general public. I bring my inherited aesthetics to its creativity… It may be the worst ever… But it is my copyright. Another after the passage of the time recorded will use and design and perform and monetise and make diversions to it at will. Because…it now belongs to the public ..???? Never Never Never…!!!!,” said a very upset and hurt Mr. Bachchan.
We can only wish that the issue is resolved as soon as possible and Mr. Bachchan can feel better about the whole thing.