Javed Akhtar is known as one of India’s most prolific screenwriters, lyricists, and poets. While he is celebrated for his many creative roles, not many know that he also played a pivotal part in the passing of the Copyright (Amendment) Act in 2012. The Act, which was passed in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, safeguarded the rights of writers, lyricists, music composers, actors, authors, and other creative professionals. In a recent interaction with Mid-Day, Javed Akhtar recalled how he got involved in the battle for copyright reform. During the conversation, Javed recalled that it all began when the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) approached him to become the head of the non-profit organisation. He admitted that before this, he didn’t know about publishing rights. “I had know idea publishing ka matlab kya hai. When I would sign contracts, they would take all the rights; I was not aware of that,” he said. “Music directors came to my house and said, ‘We are being badly exploited. They give us unfair contracts, and we want …