Anurag Kashyap Criticizes T-Series for Undervaluing Quality Music

Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has publicly criticized Bhushan Kumar and his music label, T-Series, for allegedly undervaluing quality music in the industry. During a recent discussion with The Juggernaut, Kashyap voiced his frustrations regarding the financial compensation he received for the soundtracks of his acclaimed films, including Dev D, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Gulaal.

Kashyap expressed disappointment over the lack of proper remuneration for his music, stating that T-Series does not recognize what constitutes good music. He noted that they primarily support and invest in music based on the popularity of the stars involved rather than the quality of the work itself. He remarked, “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.”

The filmmaker emphasized that the financial offers made by T-Series for his previous projects were significantly lower than expected. He mentioned that “they paid very less for Dev D, Gangs of Wasseypur, or Gulaal,” indicating that the company prioritizes commercial viability over artistic merit.

Kashyap further elaborated that the compensation is often determined by the star power associated with the project, stating, “They don’t pay for the quality of music.” He urged that the approach of T-Series is problematic, as it limits the diversity of music being promoted. He encouraged listeners and producers to recognize this disparity, stating, “They will only pay for a certain kind of music and only push for that.”

In contrast, the filmmaker noted that T-Series compensated him more generously for the soundtrack of Bombay Velvet, which starred Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma. He acknowledged, “The highest amount of money they paid for any of my movies is Bombay Velvet.” Despite this, he pointed out that the film’s jazz soundtrack did not resonate widely with audiences, resulting in it being less commercially successful.

As of now, Bhushan Kumar and the T-Series team have not issued a response to Kashyap’s allegations.

This ongoing discourse highlights a significant concern within the Indian music industry regarding the valuation of artistic expression versus commercial success. Kashyap’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among creators who feel that their work is not adequately recognized or compensated in a market increasingly driven by star power rather than artistic quality.