The President's Desk

Vijay Lazarus is the PRESIDENT of the Indian Music Industry (IMI) and the PRESIDENT of the Phonographic Performance Ltd., (PPL).

Mr. Lazarus has over 35 years working experience in the Global Audio & Video Industry.

After completing his Master’s in Economics, he joined Polydor as a Management Trainee and also completed his MBA from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management.

He went on to become President & Managing Director, UNIVERSAL MUSIC INDIA PVT. LTD. Mr. Lazarus was singularly responsible in breaking the 70 year old monopoly of HMV now SAREGAMA and in developing & nurturing one of India’s most dynamic, creative and successful music company, the market leader of the 80’s & the 90’s - MUSIC INDIA later known as POLYGRAM and now called Universal Music.

He has successfully worked with major Hindi Film Producers all leading local & top international Performing Artists creating great albums, unique events, entertaining films and significant marketing successes.

He joined IMI/PPL in 2004 as PRESIDENT and has been the prime mover in successfully leading the entire Indian Music Industry into the new Digital era – the future of the Audio & Video business. IMI/PPL & IPRS represent more than 150 Record Companies, over 1500 Performing Artists, and 140 Music Publishers. On behalf of all of them, IMI, PPL & IPRS collectively license, market and administer their repertoire of 3 million songs for Digital Business (Mobile, Online Internet or any other digital format); Broadcasting (Radio & TV) and Public Performance purposes. The role today of IMI, PPL & IPRS, (at a time when Intellectual Property is of great value in a multitude of different situations, especially the digital multi media world), is the collective governance of copyright which has become a fundamental need and of utmost importance to the Industry.

Mr. Lazarus in a short span of 2 ½ years has synergized IMI, PPL & IPRS into vibrant transparent organizations performing the vital role in monetization of all audio & video content usage across formats, services, users, telcos & establishments. He is now focused on exploring creating and managing new revenue streams, which will be key components in ensuring a healthy future for the Entertainment Content Industry.

He initiated and continues to lead the Industry’s crusade in creating awareness of Intellectual Property rights and enforcing their protection through IMI’s Anti Piracy wing managed by Mr. J.F.Ribeiro.Mr. Lazarus is considered an authority on Intellectual Property Rights and frequently addresses National and International forums on the subject.

A Rotarian since 1983, he is a Senior Active Member of Rotary Club of Bombay North. He was President of the Club in its Silver Jubilee Year (1987-88) and has held various positions at the Club and District Level. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and has been honored many times with the President’s appreciation Award.

India Representative on Asia Pacific Board of International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI – the World Music Body)
Member – Service Council – Confederation of Indian Industry.
Member - Entertainment Committee – Federation Of Indian Chambers Of Commerce And Industry and Chairman – Sub-Committee for Music
Member National Task Force for Protection of Intellectual Property Rights – Federation Of Indian Chambers Of Commerce And Industry.
Member Copyright Enforcement Advisory Council Govt. of India HRD Ministry.
Member Key Advisory Group to the Government of India I & B Ministry for the Entertainment Industry

(Click here for PRESS Clippings Of Mr.Lazarus)

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Content Conceptualised, Collected, Crafted & Cared by DREAM-FACTORY

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Starting this edition, this section of our newsletter brings you, up close and personal with The IMI President, Mr.V.J.Lazarus. His Views & News on The Indian Music Industry. His achievements and projections for The IMI. His Perspective on the Indian IPR scenario, Policies, Laws & Legalities.

VIJAY JOHN LAZARUS – A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY