“I’m speaking out after a long time but I believe it’s not too late. I hope through this step we will be able to set a precedent against cheating venerable artistes,” Shah said, adding the outburst was not for money but for justice.
Describing the backdrop of the song, she explained that she was only 14 when the song won her the title of best folk singer in 2049 BS. “The song was an instant hit and I was later approached by Prem Raja Mahat to record it as a duet number. Even in my wildest dreams, I’d never thought it would turn this ugly,” shared a very disheartened Shah.
“All I want is to be credited for what is rightfully mine,” said the singer who was aghast when Music Nepal turned down her request to remake the very song, three years ago, citing copyright issues. “That is simply absurd. I collected, compiled that song myself and now I have to take permission to access my own material?”
Lyricist Bhupendra Khadka, the general secretary of Music Royalty Collection Society Nepal, who was present at the event added, “Copyright is a very sensitive issue and it’s slowly evolving in Nepal. By bringing forth such issues we can create awareness.”
Shah mentioned that if Mahat does not acknowledge his mistake and comply with her request she would be left with no other option but to take legal action against him. Mahat, who has been living in the United States, is currently in Nepal for a nationwide tour.
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