Popular music composer and singer Amaal Mallik has recently shared his honest views about the working system of Bollywood’s music industry, revealing how composers are often denied fair recognition and financial rewards despite creating successful songs. His statements have sparked widespread discussion about the challenges faced by music creators behind the scenes.
Amaal revealed that his hit song “Sooraj Dooba Hain” from the 2015 film Roy became a massive success across India. The song gained popularity on radio, streaming platforms, social media, and at public events. Despite its huge reach and long-term popularity, Amaal claimed that the music label earned nearly Rs 70 crore from the song, while he received only a small portion of that amount.
According to the composer, this situation is common in Bollywood. Most music composers are paid a one-time fee when they sign a project. In return, they are required to hand over complete ownership of their music to the company. As a result, even when a song continues to generate revenue for years, the original creator does not benefit financially.
Amaal stressed that true financial stability for artists can only come when they have rights over their work. Without ownership or royalty agreements, composers remain dependent on project-based payments. He believes this system limits creative freedom and prevents musicians from building long-term security.
Despite being active in the industry for more than 16 years, Amaal shared that he only recently purchased his first personal car. He explained that much of his income was used to support family members, staff, and people who depended on him. His experience highlights the gap between public perception and the real financial struggles of many artists.
Facing Professional Challenges for Speaking Out
Amaal’s decision to speak openly about industry issues has come at a cost. He revealed that in the past five years, he lost around 40 to 45 film projects after questioning unfair practices. Many producers and studios, he said, prefer working with artists who remain silent rather than those who demand transparency.
He also spoke about the lack of proper credit given to composers. In earlier years, music creators were often sidelined in promotions, with their names receiving little visibility. Amaal claimed that he had to fight for rightful recognition, not only for himself but for fellow musicians as well.
Another major concern is the way songs are selected for films. Composers are frequently asked to prepare multiple versions of tracks, investing time, effort, and emotions. However, many of these compositions are rejected without clear reasons, leaving artists feeling discouraged and undervalued.
Struggles Despite a Musical Background
Coming from a well-known musical family, Amaal expected his background to help his career. Instead, he said it sometimes created misunderstandings. Some filmmakers believed he would misuse their work or rely on family influence, which led to missed opportunities.
In addition to professional struggles, Amaal has also spoken about facing mental health challenges. He admitted to experiencing self-doubt and emotional pressure due to constant competition and uncertainty. However, his love for music helped him stay focused and continue his journey.
Need for Reform in the Music Industry
Amaal Mallik’s revelations have opened an important conversation about artist rights in India’s entertainment industry. With the rise of digital platforms and global audiences, songs now generate revenue for decades. Yet, many creators still do not receive their fair share.
He believes that transparent contracts, royalty systems, and fair credit policies are essential for building a healthy creative environment. Without these reforms, young talents may struggle to survive despite their skills.
By speaking openly, Amaal has given a voice to countless musicians who face similar challenges but hesitate to raise concerns. His courage has encouraged discussions on fairness, respect, and sustainability in Bollywood’s music ecosystem.
As the industry continues to evolve, many hope that his words will lead to positive changes, ensuring that creators receive the recognition and rewards they truly deserve.
