Composer-singer Amaal Mallik has reignited a critical debate surrounding the long-standing issues plaguing the Hindi film music industry. In a candid interview, Mallik shed light on the pervasive problems of unfair remuneration, lack of ownership, and inadequate credit for composers and lyricists, despite their significant contributions to commercially successful music.
The Stark Reality of 'Sooraj Dooba Hai' Earnings Highlighting a glaring example, Amaal Mallik recounted the financial disparity concerning one of his biggest hits, ‘Sooraj Dooba Hai’ from the 2014 film Roy. He revealed that while the song generated an astounding Rs. 60–70 crore for the music label, his personal earnings were limited to negligible publishing rights, amounting to "not even close to Rs. 1 crore." This stark contrast underscores the severe imbalance artists face.
The Critical Importance of Ownership and Fair Rights
Mallik passionately argued that true financial stability and the ability to support others stem from retaining rights or having equal ownership. He drew a sharp comparison between Bollywood and regional film industries:
• In the South, composers reportedly earn Rs. 10–15 crore while successfully retaining their rights.
• Conversely, in Hindi cinema, composers typically receive Rs. 2–3 crore and are often compelled to relinquish all their rights.
Amaal shared his personal journey, noting that despite 16 years of consistent success, financial stability, like buying his own car, came surprisingly late, emphasizing the systemic issues affecting artists' long-term well-being.
Broken Credit Systems and Transparency Gaps
The composer also challenged the industry's rigid structures and the absence of transparency, particularly concerning artist credits:
• He questioned why established practices prevent a more equitable distribution of credits.
• Mallik highlighted how crediting systems in the West are far more transparent compared to Bollywood, where even lyricists' names frequently disappear from public recognition.
• He recalled instances where prominent lyricists like Amitabh Bhattacharya, Kausar Munir, and Manoj Muntashir were forced to publicly protest to demand proper credit for their work.
Creative Frustration and Professional Backlash
Beyond financial and credit issues, Amaal Mallik also spoke about creative opacity and the professional challenges he faced:
• Opaque Rejections: He described a lack of transparency where composers, after putting their heart into 15–16 song options, often face rejections without any clear explanation.
• Legal Battles: Mallik revealed a troubling experience where a professional collaboration quickly escalated into a court case, illustrating the contentious nature of some industry dealings.
• Consequences of Speaking Out: Speaking up against these practices came at a significant personal cost. Amaal disclosed, "In the last five years, I was dropped from 40 to 45 films." Yet, he concluded with resilience, asserting, "Even when I wasn’t visible, my music kept living on."
Amaal Mallik's courageous revelations serve as a powerful testament to the ongoing struggles of artists in the Hindi film music industry, calling for essential reforms in remuneration, ownership, and credit systems.
