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Bollywood supports Abhay Deol as he defends musician’s rights

Abhay Deol sports a black eye
Abhay Deol sports a black eye

Abhay Deol is set to present his first film as co-producer in the form of ‘One By Two’ which he also stars in. The film will also see his girlfriend Preeti Desai co-starring with him for the first time in her second film. Deol, as a producer, has decided to take a stand against the wrongs of an unnamed record label and he has got the support of some of the current music industry greats of Bollywood.

Deol posted his stance on his official Facebook page: “GET READY FOR A BATTLE-

My friends, I just did the unthinkable. I took on the giant record label of the music industry. Many of you on FB and those I meet on the road have been asking me when the music of my film will release. It is the 14th of January, my film is out on the 31st of this month and yet there are no albums available in the market.

Well the entire music fraternity is up in arms against the record labels because they expect musicians to sign a contract with a clause that is against the law. Producers like myself are expected to make sure that they sign. Which means if anyone is arrested for breaking the law it will be the producer!

I am also against the exploitation of artists. I believe in their rights and even if a musician was ready to sign it, I would advise him/her against it. As a result, I have no album in the market. In fact now, I wouldn’t be surprised if the music company pulls out my promos from the TV channels. I don’t have radio play anyway.

So far, no producer or studio has taken on this record label. Me and Viacom have nothing more to lose, they have already killed any potential buzz the music could have created for the film had it been put up for sale weeks ago. At the moment I have the entire music fraternity behind me. Ram Sampat and Sona Mohapatra, Amit Trivedi,��Vishal and Shekhar, Javed Akhtar and of course Shankar Ehsaan and Loy have all expressed their support.

Now I am just waiting to see which producers, actors and studios will come forth to highlight this issue.

I hope my film will not suffer as a result.

I believe in the power of the individual.”

At the Life Ok Screen Awards that took place this evening in Mumbai, Deol attended with a black eye. Sonu Nigam tweeted a picture of the actor stating “Abhay wearing a bruise on his eye, claiming hit by a music company. .. wowww”.

Sunidhi Chauhan also tweeted, “Hats Off to you Mr. Abhay Deol!!! I’m speechless at your stand. RESPECT. Always.”

Mahalakshmi Iyer said, “Heart swells with pride! Abhay Deol ,UMPTEEN thanks! ..u put it so well.. may ur tribe increase!��ABHAY DEOL.. RESPECT!!!! As a young producer you have shown guts and gumption to take them on…”

Vishal Dadlani (one half of Vishal-Shekhar) also expressed his thoughts on the microblogging site, “Today, Abhay Deol has shown he is a man of principles and courage. He’s won the admiration and thanks of the entire film music fraternity.”

Deol’s film, ‘One By Two’, is slated for release on 31st January.

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