Ilayaraja serves legal notice to SP Balasubrahmanyam

It has been some time that Ilayaraja has been fighting for royalty of his songs and his team had snapped a clause at FM radio stations that without paying royalty, they can’t play his songs. Now his team had issued a legal notice to singer SP Balasubrahmanyam that they have to pay royalty if they are singing his songs. SPB is currently touring the US and performing at various places on account of his 50 years in the industry.

Reacting to this SPB in official FB page mentioned, “Dear all, Greetings from US. Had great shows in Seattle and LA last weekend. Grateful for the love you all showered upon us and the professional way the organizers conducted the shows.

Couple of days back, an Attorney representing Shri.Iliaya Raja, sent legal notices to me, Smt.Chithra, Charan, organizers of the concerts in different cities and the managements of all the venues, which says that we are not supposed to perform compositions of Shri.Iliayaraja without his permission, if so, it is breaking the copyright law and have to pay huge financial penalties and face legal action. Let me say, I am ignorant of these legalities.

My son designed this world tour and we kick started this SPB50 concert tour in August in Toronto, then we performed in Russia, Srilanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and did lots of shows in India too. I did not get any feelers from Shri. Raja's office at that time. I don know why now when we started our US tour. As I said earlier, I am ignorant of the law. If it is a law, so be it and I obey it.

In these circumstances, our troupe cannot perform Isaignani's compositions from today. But the show should happen. By God's grace I have sung lots of other composer's songs too which we will present. Hope you all will bless our concerts as usual. I am always grateful for your love and affection.

I only request you all not to have any harsh opinions and discussions regarding this. If this is the design of God, I obey it with reverence.

Dear friends, I could have certainly talked to him, had he talked or sent a mail to me prior to our tour. But when I get a legal notice, either I have to respond legally, which I never want to, or, accept the law. I too have self-respect. Please let us stop the futile discussion and move ahead.

My intention of this information is to prepare the audience. I do not want my good friend Shri Raja inconvenienced. I do not want my sponsors and concert organizers to get hurt sentimentally and financially. Thank you.”