Viacom 18's sudden jugaad with T-series stuns Abhay Deol; Shankar Ehsaan and Loy say issue not yet resolved

A conference called today at the behest of Abhay Deol and other big singers including Sonu Niigaam to address the issue of the ongoing royalty and copyright row with T-series was virtually left nullified when a sudden press release from Viacom 18 (one of the producers of One by Two) started doing the media rounds. Bang in the middle of a heated discussion when Abhay Deol was animatedly explaining the arm twisting tactics indulged in by T-series, a press release was furtively mailed Viacom 18 which flummoxed everyone including Abhay. The release which literally exonerates T-series from all the allegations levelled against them read as follows: This is with reference to the T-Series issue. Please find attached the quote from Viacom18 Motion Pictures on the same for your reference. “There have been lots of speculations in the media on this issue of Music rights of our film One by Two and a few observations made without fully understanding the facts. We wish to clarify that T- series legitimately holds the rights to the Music of One by Two and Producers are required to provide them the relevant link documents. There was some misunderstanding regarding the factual positions and we are happy the same stands clarified and resolved between all parties. Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Abhay Deol being the producers now look forward to the release of Music on all platforms and T series is happy to provide their support to ensure One by Two gets the best release,” VMP Company Spokesperson. This sudden volte face rendered everyone speechless. Abhay said, “Well that's good news. I knew they were working on something but I don't know the exact details of it. If the contract has been accepted the way we had given it, then there is no issue. But the fight is for a larger issue here. And I will make sure never to put myself in such a ransom like situation anytime again.” The wording of the press release implied that all problems of Abhay and his music directors Shankar Ehsaan and Loy have been resolved. But when we spoke to Ehsaan and Loy they denied having signed anything at all. Said Ehsaan, “The fact that press release was issued bang in the middle of the press conference indicates that this is an attempt to scuttle the important issues and sweep it under the carpet.” Shankar was more forthcoming in his views. “This is not the time to get a press release. I don't want to comment on it but the issues are not yet resolved. Only if they have accepted our contract the issue will be resolved.” When asked to elaborate on the contract that he has placed before T-series, Shankar said, “We have placed a legal contract which says that a third party cannot administer our royalty. Our royalty shouldn't come through them (T-series). Even if you act as the collection agent, our royalty should come directly in our name.” Let's wait and watch how the situation develops. Watch this space for more updates.