Cinema VinesOn the first anniversary of the 2023 blockbuster Saiyaara, music composer Tanishk Bagchi took to Instagram to reveal that he has yet to receive the royalties owed for the film’s title track. The post, posted on Saturday, highlighted the composer’s frustration over an unpaid amount of ₹8 lakh, despite the song’s massive streaming and viewership numbers.
Bagchi, who collaborated with Yash Raj Films and YRF Music on the track, explained that he had agreed to all terms because he believed in the project’s potential. He detailed the extensive work that went into the song, from production and composition to recording, vocal tuning and final mixes, stating that “the amount paid by YRF was used to cover live and mix costs, leaving nothing left for me.” He added that the ₹8 lakh he still awaits feels negligible compared to the effort invested.
In his Instagram note, Bagchi made it clear that he was not seeking sympathy but rather shedding light on the challenges he faced during the song’s creation. He reflected on how the experience has altered his view of the industry, stating that he will now only collaborate with producers and directors who value creativity, honesty and the people behind the music.
The composer also expressed gratitude towards director Mohit Suri, noting that Suri was the only person he respected in the film’s production team. He thanked Irshad Kamil for the lyrics and acknowledged the contributions of singers and other collaborators.
The title track of Saiyaara was composed by Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami, with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil and performed by Faheem. Despite its success, the financial settlement for the track remains incomplete, leaving Bagchi in a state of disappointment over the lack of remuneration.
