Akhtar, IPRS team in Nagaland for music rights drive

Renowned lyricist, poet and screenwriter Javed Akhtar, along with his wife, actor Shabana Azmi, arrived in Nagaland on Friday with a delegation from the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS).
The delegation called on chief minister Neiphiu Rio at his Sovima residence. During the visit, the team is scheduled to meet senior officials and authorities to discuss strengthening music rights, licensing systems and creator support in the state.
On March 21, Akhtar and his team will visit Kohima, including the Regional Centre of Excellence for Music and Performing Arts, as IPRS collaborates with the state government to develop a music rights framework in Nagaland.
As part of the initiative, IPRS will establish a dedicated Intellectual Property (IP) Hub in Kohima with support from the Task Force for Music and Arts. The hub will function as a support centre to help artists understand copyright, manage rights and access IPRS services, while also assisting organisers and businesses in complying with licensing norms.
The initiative aims to address gaps in awareness and access to formal IP systems, as many artists in Nagaland’s vibrant music ecosystem are yet to benefit from royalties.
IPRS will also organise a “My Music My Rights” workshop to educate artists, composers and music professionals on copyright, royalties and the business of music.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen the state’s music ecosystem through improved awareness, systems and policy support.
Meanwhile, chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said he was delighted to meet Padma Bhushan awardees Javed Akhtar and his wife Shabana Azmi.
In a post on X, Rio said the duo was in the state for a “creative connect” visit and extended a warm welcome, wishing them an enriching and memorable stay in Nagaland.