MUMBAI: Eminent script writer, lyricist, poet and IPRS Chairman, Javed Akhtar was awarded ‘Person of the Year’ award by the inaugural Indian Music Industry.

In a function organized by the IMI, which is an apex Indian Music Industry body, Akhtar was presented with the award by Sony Music India President and IMI Chairman Shridhar Subramaniam, and co-founder/ chairman Sire Records and VP Warner Bros Records Seymour Stein.

Stakeholders in the music sector such as Saregama MD Vikram Mehra, Universal Music Group MD and CEO India and South Asia Devraj Sanyal spoke of the immense respect that Javed Akhtar has gathered the industry by ensuring that the creator and music business communities build bridges in an effort to work together for the success and betterment of the industry. They also spoke about his role in ensuring that authors and composers settle their long-standing dispute with the music industry that had been festering for years.

Speaking at the event, IMI Chairman Shridhar Subramaniam, said, “This award is recognition of Javed Saab’s outstanding leadership that will allow the industry now to concentrate on bigger challenges and to expand and bring value to all stakeholders and users of music.”

On receiving the award, Javed Akhtar said that the creator is an indispensable part of the music industry and the soft power of creators could be a critical part of the strength of the music industry as it deals with the serious challenges posed by technology. He said, “This award is not only a recognition of me but for all stakeholders in the industry of the extremely positive and mature fashion in which, the industry now conducts and views itself.”

IPRS director and Times Music COO Mandar Thakur also said, "Javed saab’s status as a leader is not only limited to IPRS, but is also acknowledged across the industry. All of these is a result of an extremely positive and constructionist role, he has played in bringing together stakeholders on one table. The IMI Music Person of the Year award is the recognition of this reality.”

Universal Music Group, India and South Asia MD and CEO Devraj Sanyal said, “Javed Saab’s exemplary leadership and even-handed approach to all stakeholders has brought this industry to an extremely positive point, something we have not seen for quite some time now. The Indian music industry must take advantage of this great synergy that has been built up between all of us. Thus, we are on to this task under Javed Saab’s leadership, good things lie ahead for the industry.”

Meanwhile, there were audio clips played of some famous personalities in the event. Also, Oscar winner and renowned music maestro AR Rahman, Filmmaker Karan Johar etc., demonstrated the respect with which Akhtar is viewed across the film and music industry.