The Indian Singers and Musicians Rights Association (ISAMRA) recently celebrated a significant milestone by distributing ₹100 crore in royalties to 26,000 singers and musicians. This achievement was marked by discussions with renowned artists Sonu Nigam and Anup Jalota, along with Sanjay Tandon, the founder and managing director of ISAMRA.
Sonu Nigam shared his thoughts on this accomplishment, expressing that it feels like a “quiet victory” for artists who have dedicated themselves to music. “For many years, our voices have created value, but we didn’t always receive our fair share. Today is a moment of correction, restoring dignity to every singer who has poured their heart into a song. It’s heartening to see that the system is starting to listen to us,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey, Sanjay Tandon recalled the first royalty distributed back in June 2024, which was just ₹51,000 for the iconic song “Lag Jaa Gale.” He noted, “That initial payment represented a significant emotional step forward. It demonstrated that the rights of performers could transition from theory to a tangible reality. The path to ₹100 crore involved building a system from scratch and showing that artists’ contributions matter.”
Anup Jalota also expressed his emotions about the moment, stating, “For years, singers have been the heart of music in India, but their efforts weren’t always recognized properly. This feels like a long overdue acknowledgment. It’s not just about money; it’s about respect and dignity.”
One of the pressing issues in the music industry today is the role of artificial intelligence (AI). Sonu Nigam remarked on the dual nature of AI, saying, “While it can enhance music, it also risks blurring the lines of artistic identity. A voice holds personal meaning and emotion that can’t easily be replicated. If AI can mimic a voice without consent, that raises serious concerns. We need strong legal protections to ensure artists are compensated fairly.”
Sanjay Tandon agreed, noting the challenges that AI presents. “The real question is ownership. If a voice can be cloned, we need to establish clear guidelines about who owns and controls that usage. ISAMRA is committed to creating frameworks ensuring consent and compensation are respected,” he said.
Anup Jalota highlighted another concern, emphasizing that singers traditionally received payment only for recording a song, not for its continued success. “A song isn’t just a one-time thing; it lives on through generations and continues to generate value. It’s crucial for artists to understand their rights and for the industry to evolve to ensure fair royalties.”
Looking ahead, Tandon stressed the importance of inclusivity and support for all performers, whether they are prominent stars or session musicians. “Our goal is to create a system where every artist feels valued and educated about their rights. We aim to strengthen our partnerships and ensure accessibility for everyone in the industry.”
In a light-hearted conclusion, Sonu Nigam was asked which song came to mind during this celebratory moment. He smiled and said, “‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ resonates with valuing the present and acknowledging what truly matters. Today feels like something that has always belonged to singers is finally coming back to them. It’s emotional and grounding.”
