Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly addressed issues regarding compensation for the music of his critically acclaimed films. In recent interviews, Kashyap expressed dissatisfaction with the way T-Series, India’s largest music label, valued the music of his films — particularly ‘Dev D’, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and ‘Gulaal’.
Kashyap revealed that T-Series paid significantly less for the soundtracks of these films, despite their subsequent popularity and critical acclaim. He claimed that the label prioritises commercial appeal and star power when deciding music rights payments, often overlooking innovation or musical quality. “They only pay for who is the star in it. They don’t pay for the quality of music,” Kashyap stated. He added that for ‘Dev D’, he did not receive any substantial payment for the music rights, highlighting that producers such as UTV Studios were involved in those negotiations.
Explaining his viewpoint, Kashyap remarked that music considered unique or experimental receives less financial commitment from music labels, unless the film features notable stars. “If T-Series, Bhushan Kumar, is not buying it, then it is good music. T-Series doesn’t buy good music at a good price,” he said. He described the music for ‘Dev D’, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, and ‘Gulaal’ as being undervalued simply because the films did not have leading mainstream stars.
By contrast, Kashyap pointed out that T-Series paid the highest amount for the music of his 2015 film ‘Bombay Velvet’, primarily because of the film’s star cast, which included Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Karan Johar. Despite the film underperforming at the box office, its jazz-influenced soundtrack, composed by Amit Trivedi, was appreciated by critics. Kashyap noted that this was the exception in his experience with the label.
Neither T-Series nor its head, Bhushan Kumar, have issued any public response to Kashyap’s remarks.
Anurag Kashyap’s statements have brought renewed attention to the broader conversation about music rights and artist compensation in the Indian film industry.
