Ailing music veteran Vanraj Bhatia gets financial support from film body IPRS

The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) has come to the aid of veteran music composer Vanraj Bhatia following reports about his declining health and poor financial situation.

Bhatia, 92, is best known for providing music to films such as "Ankur", "36 Chowringhee Lane" and TV show "Tamas", for which he won a National Award.

Earlier this week, a daily reported on Bhatia's ill health and dwindling financial state. The veteran is having trouble walking properly and is not able to get treated due to lack of funds.

IPRS, headed by veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar, stepped in for help after the news. It is a registered body which safeguards the rights of authors (lyricists), music composers and music publishers in the country.

"We always strive to help our music fraternity through all available means whenever needed. The moment we came to know about the ill-health of our composer friend Vanraj Bhatia, we immediately released from our funds for his aid.

"Going forward, we are looking into