Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently shared candid insights into his dealings with T-Series, alleging the major music label significantly underpaid him for some of his most acclaimed film soundtracks.
Kashyap’s Blunt Take on Music Industry Giant
Anurag Kashyap is never one to shy away from expressing his unfiltered opinions. In a recent interaction, the director-actor openly critiqued T-Series, India’s largest music record label, suggesting they often miss the mark on “good music.”
He famously quipped, “If Bhushan Kumar (managing director of T-Series) is not buying it, then it is good music.” Kashyap believes the label doesn’t acquire quality music at fair prices.
Underpaid for Cult Classics
Recalling his personal experiences, Kashyap revealed that T-Series paid him “very little money” for the music of films like *DevD*, *Gangs of Wasseypur*, and *Gulaal*. Despite these soundtracks becoming highly popular and even cult classics, the compensation was minimal.
He stressed that the company tends to “only pay for the star in it,” rather than acknowledging the inherent quality of the music itself. *DevD*’s music, for instance, became iconic, yet received scant payment from the label.
The Curious Case of Bombay Velvet
Interestingly, Kashyap noted an exception to this pattern with his film *Bombay Velvet*. He stated that T-Series paid him the “highest amount of money” for this particular film’s music.
This payout came despite his claim that “the film’s music didn’t work for them.” This anecdote further solidifies his argument that T-Series’ payment decisions are not always aligned with their appreciation for the music’s artistic merit.
A New Chapter Away From Mumbai’s Hustle
Beyond his industry observations, Kashyap also shared an update on his personal life. He happily announced his decision to move out of Mumbai several months ago, a move he finds incredibly satisfying.
He explained that he enjoys his new environment, free from constant conversations about “numbers.” This shift has allowed him to reconnect with himself, similar to how he felt at the start of his career, surrounded by books and a different circle of people.
- Anurag Kashyap claims T-Series underpays for quality music, prioritizing star power.
- Soundtracks for films like *DevD*, *Gangs of Wasseypur*, and *Gulaal* fetched low payments.
- T-Series paid a high amount for *Bombay Velvet*’s music, even if they didn’t like it.
- Kashyap has moved out of Mumbai for a happier, less numbers-focused life.
Anurag Kashyap is currently engaged in promotions for his upcoming film, *Nishaanchi*, bringing his distinctive vision back to the forefront.
