Beyond the Stars: Kashyap's Crusade Against T-Series' Music Valuation!

In a candid and characteristic outburst, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has once again stirred the pot, this time taking aim at India's largest music label, T-Series, and its managing director, Bhushan Kumar. Kashyap, known for his unfiltered opinions, alleged that T-Series consistently undervalues quality music, particularly from his cult films like Dev.D, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Gulaal, while readily investing heavily in star-driven projects.

 

Speaking to The Juggernaut, Kashyap minced no words, stating, "If Bhushan Kumar is not buying it, then it is good music. If T-Series is not buying it, it is great music. T-Series doesn't buy good music at a good price." This provocative statement has ignited a fresh debate within the industry about the economics of music rights and the perceived priorities of major labels.

 

 

The Undervalued Soundtracks: Dev.D, Gangs of Wasseypur, Gulaal

 

Anurag Kashyap highlighted his personal experiences, revealing that T-Series paid "very little money" for the music of Dev.D, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Gulaal. These films, despite their niche appeal, boast soundtracks that have achieved cult status and continue to resonate with audiences years after their release. The music from Dev.D, in particular, is often cited as one of the most innovative and enduring soundtracks in recent Hindi cinema.

 

"They paid very little money for the music of Dev.D, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Gulaal, and they made a lot of money from the music of those films," Kashyap asserted. He further elaborated on T-Series' alleged approach, stating, "They only pay for the star in it. They don't pay for the quality of music. They paid nothing for Dev.D's track despite the film's music being one of the cult soundtracks."

 

 

The Bombay Velvet Irony: High Price, Low Impact

 

In a striking comparison, Kashyap revealed the highest amount T-Series ever paid him was for the music of Bombay Velvet. The irony, he pointed out, was that despite the substantial investment, the film's music "didn't work for them." This anecdote underscores Kashyap's core argument: T-Series prioritizes perceived commercial viability tied to star power over the inherent artistic merit or longevity of a soundtrack.

 

"They don't understand good music, and they will push only for a certain kind of music. They only pay for stars," he added, reinforcing his criticism of the label's business model.

 

 

A Broader Critique of the Music Industry

 

Anurag Kashyap's comments extend beyond a personal grievance with T-Series; they reflect a broader critique of payment practices and artistic valuation within the Indian music industry. His outspoken nature has often led him to challenge established norms and highlight systemic issues.

 

This isn't the first time Kashyap has been vocal about his disagreements within the industry. From criticizing streaming platforms for overpaid executives to expressing his disdain for the "numbers" game in Bollywood, the filmmaker has consistently advocated for a more meritocratic and artist-centric approach.

 

As the debate unfolds, Kashyap's recent move out of Mumbai, which he attributes to a desire to escape the "numbers" conversation and reconnect with his roots, further emphasizes his commitment to artistic integrity over commercial pressures. His latest remarks are likely to spark further discussion about fairness and transparency in the complex world of film music rights.