Screen writers and composers forge a tie for equitable rights in films

After making a mark as writers in the Hindi film industry, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar did not take kindly to their missing credits in film publicity posters; and so just before the release of the Amitabh Bachchan-led 'Zanjeer', the duo hired a painter to write their names on the film's posters put up across Mumbai alongside the name of the director, the actor and actress.

- Meena lyer

MUMBAI:

While this was a first in the film industry, it did not change the fact that writers and musicians have continued to be classed second to lead actors and directors, not just in film credits but also while seeking monetary benefits.

In a small but significant move, an effort has been made to change this. The Music Composers Association of India (MCAI) and Screenwriters Association (SWA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between music composers, lyricists and screenwriters as a unified voice to make a rightful stake with producers.

The MoU was inked on Thursday at an event in the city, where stalwarts from the industry were present, including Anu Malik, Varun Grover, Milind (of Anand-Milind fame), Kausar Munir and Mayur Puri. The consensus was that the "MoU will pave the way for better industry practices, which include mutual respect in credit-sharing, and a more structured approach to creative collaboration in Indian cinema and television".

The MoU states that music directors and lyricists are "equal as co-authors" as they collaborate in the creation of songs, and both must be considered "primary artistes" in credits.