Javed Akhtar (Photo Credit: Instagram)
New Delhi:
After Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, lyricist Javed Akhtar has come forward in the decisive battle against the pandemic by extending support for those who suffered loss of income during the 21 days lockdown. The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) headed by Akhtar on Thursday announced an eemrgency relief package fot its members going through financial trouble during the 21-day lockdown amid coronavirus pandemic.
IPRS will provide money to around 3150 author and music composer members across various geographies to meet their basic needs for the next three weeks as the country battles the outbreak.
"It is our duty to support the call made by our Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi for society to support each other through this 21-day lock down period. IPRS is what it is because of all its members," Akhtar, IPRS chairperson, said in a statement.
Akhtar however, did not specify the amount IPRS will be giving in the relief fund but mentioned that they wil be reaching out to its members so that the disbursement process happenes smoothly and the memebers receive the relief amounts on an immediate basis.
"In these challenging and trying times, IPRS, a copyright society mandated by the government of India, as a custodian of its creator members, stands shoulder to shoulder with all its members, the popular industry veteran said.
Akhtar's wife and also a memeber Shabana Azmi shared the video on Twitter
IPRS pledges support to the vulnerable in the music industry pic.twitter.com/t88IFbzAw3
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) March 26, 2020
"This payment by IPRS is our contribution for the time being to help our creator members tide over this period of the 21-day lockdown to be able to purchase basic necessities," Akhtar added.
Akhtar has also supported the demand to shut religious places likle mosques amid the coronavirus outbreak, saying even Kaaba and Medina have been closed due to the pandemic.
