Ace Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has stepped down from the ten-member group constituted by the Centre to explore proposed amendments to the Copyright Act.

In a note to HRD Minister Kapil Sibal, the actor said, "It seems to me that there is an attempt by certain people to attack me in public by printing lies about me, thereby turning the attention away from a genuine debate about copyright issues."

There are reports that at a recent gathering between makers and authors over the subject of royalties, Aamir sought to take credit from lyricists by stating that a song's reputation depended on the celebrity on whom it was filmed.

Aamir's comments upset lyricist Javed Akhtar, who said the song ''Papa Kehte Hain'' became a hit regardless of Aamir not being a celebrity at that time.

Aamir said, he was not easy hearing such charges.

"I am grateful to you for inviting me to be a part of a committee to discuss the various issues regarding amendments to the Copyright Act. However, in the light of these public attacks on me, I don''t think I am comfortable to be part of this committee," Aamir said.

"Had I been driven by monetary achievements, I would not have produced films that challenge the mainstream and break new ground, films like ''Lagaan'', ''Taare Zameen Par'' and ''Peepli Live'', that most producers would hesitate to produce," said Aamir.

Aamir also wrote, "I believe that amendments to the Copyright Act are long overdue and I am so happy that a person like you is spearheading this movement."

"I believe that the changes that you are bringing about in the sphere of education are so dynamic, progressive and positive, that I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will do the same in the field of copyright," said the actor.

The Copyright Act panel also comprises Javed Akhtar, Boney Kapoor, Mukesh Bhatt, Vishal Bharadwaj, Vishal Dadlani, Prasoon Joshi, Anjum Rajabli, Madhu Manthena and Bhushan Kumar. (With Input from Agencies)