Mumbai, Feb 28 – In a significant step towards ensuring fair treatment for music creators, Indian lyricists and composers have joined forces to demand fair contracts, credit, and remuneration from producers and music companies. The initiative was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Screenwriters Association (SWA) and the Music Composers Association of India (MCAI) on Thursday.
The MoU was signed by Zama Habib, General Secretary of SWA, and Vishal Bhardwaj, President of MCAI, marking a historic move towards strengthening collaboration between the two groups. The associations collectively represent over 4,500 members, including lyricists and music composers.
“Composers and lyricists are the ‘body and soul’ of music. Without a composer, a tune cannot exist, and without a lyricist, there is no song. It’s crucial that they are standing together,” said Bhardwaj.
He further emphasized the importance of addressing long-standing issues within the industry, particularly regarding royalties and recognition. He acknowledged the battle for fair royalties, which was previously led by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar.
“This MoU signifies that we are now on the same page and will collectively fight for our causes. Whether it is credit or remuneration, we will engage in discussions with producers and music companies to bring about positive change,” said Habib.
The agreement highlights that music directors and lyricists should be treated as co-authors of songs, ensuring that both are recognized as primary artists. Additionally, the MoU calls for separate contracts between music creators and producers to establish fair remuneration and structured agreements.
“This is not about composers versus lyricists. We are a team. We spend more time together than with our families, creating music collectively. This MoU ensures fair credit, contracts, and transparency,” said Shekhar.
Veteran music composer Milind of the Anand-Milind duo praised the agreement for bringing transparency to the system.
“In the past, music budgets were lumped together, covering payments for lyricists, singers, and even studio costs. Now, with separate agreements, there will be clarity and fairness in contracts,” Milind stated.
“One major issue is that a composer’s name appears in a film’s opening credits, but the lyricist’s name often does not. We will fight for equal recognition. Additionally, we will push for minimum remuneration standards for both composers and lyricists,” Habib added.
The newly signed MoU is expected to pave the way for a more equitable and transparent working environment in India’s music industry, ensuring that the creators behind Bollywood’s beloved songs receive their due credit and compensation.
The MoU was signed by Zama Habib, General Secretary of SWA, and Vishal Bhardwaj, President of MCAI, marking a historic move towards strengthening collaboration between the two groups. The associations collectively represent over 4,500 members, including lyricists and music composers.
A Landmark Agreement
Noted filmmaker and composer Vishal Bhardwaj described the development as a “landmark and historic” moment for the music industry.“Composers and lyricists are the ‘body and soul’ of music. Without a composer, a tune cannot exist, and without a lyricist, there is no song. It’s crucial that they are standing together,” said Bhardwaj.
He further emphasized the importance of addressing long-standing issues within the industry, particularly regarding royalties and recognition. He acknowledged the battle for fair royalties, which was previously led by veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar.
United for Fairness
SWA General Secretary Zama Habib stressed that the partnership between composers and lyricists is aimed at ensuring rightful credit and financial fairness.“This MoU signifies that we are now on the same page and will collectively fight for our causes. Whether it is credit or remuneration, we will engage in discussions with producers and music companies to bring about positive change,” said Habib.
The agreement highlights that music directors and lyricists should be treated as co-authors of songs, ensuring that both are recognized as primary artists. Additionally, the MoU calls for separate contracts between music creators and producers to establish fair remuneration and structured agreements.
Industry Reactions and Support
Well-known lyricist Raj Shekhar hailed the MoU as a significant milestone in creative collaboration.“This is not about composers versus lyricists. We are a team. We spend more time together than with our families, creating music collectively. This MoU ensures fair credit, contracts, and transparency,” said Shekhar.
Veteran music composer Milind of the Anand-Milind duo praised the agreement for bringing transparency to the system.
“In the past, music budgets were lumped together, covering payments for lyricists, singers, and even studio costs. Now, with separate agreements, there will be clarity and fairness in contracts,” Milind stated.
Next Steps: Engaging with Producers and Music Companies
The event was attended by prominent industry figures, including Anu Malik, Varun Grover, Kausar Munir, and Mayur Puri. Moving forward, the SWA and MCAI plan to engage in discussions with producers and music companies to address key concerns.“One major issue is that a composer’s name appears in a film’s opening credits, but the lyricist’s name often does not. We will fight for equal recognition. Additionally, we will push for minimum remuneration standards for both composers and lyricists,” Habib added.
The newly signed MoU is expected to pave the way for a more equitable and transparent working environment in India’s music industry, ensuring that the creators behind Bollywood’s beloved songs receive their due credit and compensation.
Last updated by a enewsx: