In a recent move that has garnered widespread attention, Raghav Chadha, Member of Parliament, raised the critical issue of film piracy during his speech in the Rajya Sabha. His call for action has not only highlighted the ongoing problem but also earned him praise from Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra, who has publicly lauded him as a “star” for his efforts.
Raghav Chadha’s Parliamentary speech
During the Rajya Sabha session, Raghav Chadha addressed the pressing issue of piracy, emphasizing its devastating impact on the film and OTT industries. “Sir, as we all know, piracy is a plague that’s all-pervasive, not just in the cinema industry today, but also in the OTT platform world,” he stated. Chadha highlighted the staggering financial losses incurred due to piracy, noting, “Piracy and unauthorized reproduction of copyright content has led to an annual loss of ₹20,000 crore in the film industry and the OTT industry.”
Chadha also pointed out the alarming rise in piracy incidents during the pandemic, with a 62% increase reported. His speech called attention to the inadequacies of the existing Cinematography Bill, which primarily addresses anti-camera recording in theatres. He urged the government to consider amending the bill or developing a new framework specifically targeting piracy on OTT platforms.
“Through you sir, I’d like to ask the honourable minister whether the Government of India is planning to amend the Cinematography Bill or introduce a separate mechanism to address the widespread piracy on OTT platforms,” Chadha said. He underscored the impact of unauthorized reproduction on the hard work of artists, advocating for a robust institutional mechanism to combat piracy.
Parineeti Chopra’s support
Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra responded to Chadha’s speech with admiration, calling him a “star” for his bold stance on the issue. In a statement, Chopra praised Chadha for bringing the issue to the forefront and championing the cause of the film industry. She expressed hope that his efforts would lead to meaningful legislative changes that would protect the rights of creators and combat the pervasive problem of piracy.
Chopra’s endorsement highlights the significant support from the film industry for Chadha’s initiative. The actress’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the entertainment community, where there is growing concern over the impact of piracy on creative work and financial stability.
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Reactions in Parliament
Chadha’s address was met with a range of reactions from his parliamentary colleagues. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who was presiding over the session, acknowledged Chadha’s knowledge of the film industry with a smile. “He knows much about the film industry. Off late, he’s gained experience,” Dhankhar remarked.
Veteran actor and MP Jaya Bachchan, who was seated next to Chadha, also contributed to the discussion. She gave a shoutout to Chadha’s efforts, prompting Dhankhar to add, “Jaya ji has been diligent ever since she entered that silver screen. It’s because of her that the question has been rationally worded.” Dhankhar’s comments underscored the respect and appreciation for Bachchan’s longstanding contributions to cinema and the legislative process.
When Chadha sought permission to respond to Bachchan’s acknowledgment, Dhankhar advised against it, saying, “Never clarify when you get endorsement from a legend.” Bachchan’s smile and Dhankhar’s remarks signified a supportive environment for Chadha’s call to action.
The path forward
Chadha’s intervention in Parliament represents a crucial step in addressing the issue of piracy, which has long plagued the film and OTT industries. His call for legislative reform and institutional mechanisms highlights the need for updated measures to protect intellectual property in the digital age.
As discussions continue, the support from figures like Parineeti Chopra and the engagement of parliamentary leaders suggest a growing recognition of the problem and a willingness to seek solutions. The hope is that this increased attention will lead to effective strategies to combat piracy and safeguard the creative efforts of artists across the industry.
