A recent public dispute between composer Tanishk Bagchi and Yash Raj Films over royalty payments has reignited debates about systemic transparency in the Indian music industry. While the specific claim regarding the song 'Saiyaara' was refuted by the production house, the incident underscores ongoing challenges with opaque contract structures. For the industry, this highlights the growing pressure to adopt standardized accounting and clearer revenue-sharing models.
The Indian music and entertainment sector is navigating a growing debate over royalty payments, with recent events highlighting a persistent tension between creative talent and production houses. In mid-July 2026, composer Tanishk Bagchi publicly alleged that he had not received ₹8 lakh in royalties for the title track of the film 'Saiyaara.' The claim sparked immediate discussion regarding how artists are compensated in the industry.
Yash Raj Films, the production house involved, publicly refuted the allegations. The company stated that all contractual obligations had been fulfilled and clarified that royalty payments for the track were shared equally among the three credited composers: Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami. Following this clarification, the social media post regarding the unpaid dues was removed. While this specific instance reached a resolution, industry experts view it as a symptom of a larger, systemic issue rather than an isolated case.
The core of the industry-wide challenge lies in the complexity of commercial agreements. Under the 2012 amendment to the Copyright Act, authors of musical works are entitled to shared royalties. However, implementing this right has proven difficult. Many contracts are negotiated long before a song’s commercial potential is realized, often leading to agreements where musicians prioritize project visibility and association with major labels over long-term revenue participation. This creates a power imbalance, particularly for newer artists who may lack the leverage to negotiate favorable terms.
Legal and financial analysts point to a lack of standardization as a primary hurdle. Royalty calculations are often opaque, making it difficult for creators to track how much money is generated across various streaming platforms, radio, and television. Because revenue flows through multiple stakeholders—including producers, labels, and digital distributors—the audit trail for a single song can be fragmented. This lack of transparency can lead to mistrust, even when payments are technically compliant with the signed contracts.
Industry bodies such as the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) have long advocated for better ownership documentation, complete metadata, and usage reporting. As the digital music ecosystem grows more complex, the demand for transparent reporting and standardized royalty distribution is increasing. For the broader entertainment sector, these disputes carry reputational risks and can invite increased regulatory scrutiny. Moving forward, the industry is under pressure to move toward more transparent governance, ensuring that revenue-sharing models are clearly defined and easily verifiable for all creators, which may eventually reduce the frequency of public disputes.