Music composer Ilayaraja has made a fresh announcement to singers and musicians on paying royalty before performing his songs. In a recently released video, Ilayaraja has once again reiterated the fact that singers and orchestras who choose to sing or play his songs should seek prior permission and pay the royalty. He also warned legal action against those who do not follow this norm.

Ilayaraja stated, "I'd like to inform all singers and musicians to get my prior sanction for singing my songs. If you wish to sing and perform my songs on stage without prior intimation, you are liable for legal action. This also includes people who play my music in instruments. You all have to realise this is an offence under the copyright law and I will take action as per law."

Ilayaraja further revealed that he has authorised the South Indian Film Music Artistes' Association to collect royalty for his songs. He further clarified that anybody can sing his songs for free if there is no commercial gain.

“I request you all to understand this issue properly.  I’m not stopping you from singing. You are paying royalty for the money you earn and not for my song. If you’re singing my songs for free, then you won’t have to pay me. You are singing my songs, right? You are getting paid for singing my song. Do I not get a share?  When the song is mine, how can I not have a share in it? It is only a small amount.  This protocol will definitely benefit future generations in a big way.”

This is not the first time that Ilaiyaraaja has spoken about this issue.  In 2015, the music maestro had warned radio stations and television channels of legal action if they played his songs without his consent. Last year, the composer had sent a legal notice to ace singer SP Balasubramaniam, his son SP Charan and singer Chithra for singing his songs in a musical tour, without paying royalty as per the copyright law.