The Happy Birthday song is now officially a publicly accessible song. In a district-court trial in Los Angeles, a judge approved a settlement to put the simple song in the public domain. It ends the ownership claims of Warner/Chappell Music, the music-publishing company that has been collecting royalties on the song for years. The company has agreed to pay back US$14 million (Dh51.4m) to those who have paid licensing fees to use the song. Last year, the judge ruled that the company didn't own the lyrics to the ditty, one of the best-known and most beloved songs in the world, and said the company has no right to charge for the song's use. Warner/Chappell has said it didn't try to collect royalties from just anyone singing the song, but those who use it in a commercial enterprise. – AP
Narendra Modi’s high praise for upcoming film Yeh Hai India
The first poster for upcoming film Yeh Hai India has been revealed – designed after a comment that Indian prime minister Narendra Modi made about the film. It is a political drama, which Modi hailed as inspiring, entertaining and important because it addresses stereotypes. "India being a land of snake charmers is just something that the western countries think of us, and it is a stereotype that should no longer be associated with us," he said. "Yeh Hai India also addresses numerous other such stereotypes and realities of India in an entertaining and inspiring manner." As such, the film's first poster shows a snake charmer wooing a snake, both of which seem to be carved out of wood. The film, presented by DLB Productions and produced by Sandeep Choudhary, stars Gavie Chahal, Deana Uppal, and veteran actors Mohan Agashe and Mohan Joshi and is set for release later this year. – IANS
Suge Knight sues Chris Brown while awaiting murder trial
Former rap-music producer Marion "Suge" Knight has filed a lawsuit against singer Chris Brown in connection with a shooting at a West Hollywood nightclub in 2014, which left him with seven gunshot wounds. The civil lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court accused Brown, who was hosting the event with musician Pia Mia Perez at the 1 OAK club on August 23, 2014, and the club's owners of being negligent in providing a safe environment, especially given Brown's violent history. "Aware of this documented past and the high likelihood of violence, including the possession, and or use, of firearms by those attending the event, the defendants, and each of them, had a duty to provide adequate security," the 10-page lawsuit said. Knight, who co-founded hip-hop label Death Row Records, is seeking unspecified damages in excess of US$25,000 (Dh92,000). Meanwhile, he is in jail on a murder charge. He has been accused of running over two people in January 2015, killing one and injuring the other. The trial is scheduled to start in August. Knight has pleaded not guilty in both cases. – Reuters
Producers of Sarbjit eyeing the Oscars
The makers of Sarbjit, starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, have set their sights on the Oscars this year. The film is based on the life of an Indian farmer who was accused of being a spy and died in captivity in a Pakistan jail. Vashu Bhagnani, the film's producer, confirmed to Pakistani newspaper Dawn yesterday that they would be trying everything in their power to make Sarbjit India's official entry to the Oscars. The newspaper also quoted Bhagnani as saying that they would be making a bid for the National Awards, due to the positive feedback it received during its screening at Cannes. – Sonali Kokra
Tusshar Kapoor becomes a father Bollywood actor Tusshar Kapoor has become the proud father of a baby boy last week. His son Laksshya was born with the help of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and surrogacy. The Kapoor family are overjoyed at the arrival of the newborn and support Tusshar's decision to become a single father. Speaking about this new role in life, Kapoor, 39, said that he was thrilled to be a father since he had been feeling an overwhelming paternal instinct for a while now. Proud grandparents Shobha and Jeetendra Kapoor called Laksshya a tremendous blessing that they were lucky to have in their life. – Sonali Kokra
Aerosmith drummer’s new Massachusetts coffee shop to open
A rock 'n' roll-themed coffee shop owned by Aerosmith's drummer is set to open in Massachusetts this week. Joey Kramer's Rockin' & Roastin' Cafe will open its doors on Friday in North Attleborough, about 75 kilometres outside of Boston. The public is invited to attend a special ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled at 9am. Kramer has said the cafe will serve organic coffee with a rock 'n' roll ambience. Kramer's drum kit and other Aerosmith memorabilia will be displayed. Aerosmith formed in Boston in 1970 and recently announced their farewell tour. – AP