Screenwriters Association and Music Composers Association of India Signs MoU to Ensure Fair Credit; Vishal Bhardwaj Calls it a Landmark Agreement Towards ‘Collaborative Future’

The Indian entertainment community has achieved a new milestone by taking concrete steps to ensure fair recognition and rights for creative professionals. In a significant move for the country's film and TV industry, the Music Composers Association of India (MCAI) and the Screenwriters Association (SWA) have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering stronger collaboration between music composers, lyricists, and screenwriters. 

 

The MoU was announced at an event on Thursday evening, where stalwarts from the industry were present, including Anu Malik, Varun Grover, Milind (of Anand-Milind fame), Kausar Munir, and Mayur Puri.

 

The MoU paves 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 said MOU states that music directors and lyricists are "equal as co-authors" as they collaborate in the creation of songs, and both are to be considered "primary artists" for credit purposes. 

 

Crucially, it also underlines that contracts of music directors and lyricists should be separately drawn with producers, wherein they both determine their respective remuneration as "individual HODs contributing to the film." By ensuring separate contracts with producers, the agreement empowers music directors and lyricists to negotiate independently as individual HoDs, strengthening their professional standing.

 

Filmmaker-composer Vishal Bharadwaj (President, MCAI) called it a landmark move that will ensure credit and dignity for the creators.

 

Bharadwaj, known for directing and composing for movies like 'Khufiya' (2023), 'Haider' (2014), and 'Omkara' (2006), said, "Every note of music tells a story, and every word of a lyric brings it to life. Today, we stand together—not just as lyricists or music directors, but as artists united in our craft. This MOU is more than an agreement; it’s a promise to ensure fair credit, respect, and independence for all who contribute to the magic of music.

 

"This milestone was made possible through months of thoughtful discussions and negotiations between SWA and MCAI, considering the rights, struggles, and aspirations of both lyricists and music directors. It is the result of a shared commitment to building a fair and collaborative future—one where creative contributions are recognized, valued, and protected."

 

Zama Habib, General Secretary, SWA, called the MoU a "declaration" that lyricists and music directors stand together as "co-artists, ensuring fair credit, mutual respect, and professional independence." 

 

"This landmark MOU was shaped with the insights and dedication of SWA's lyrics MBC team, comprising lyricists like Puneet Sharma, Raj Shekhar, Hussain Haidry, Danish Javed, and Shellee, who deeply understand the plight of lyricists. Their efforts were met with the expertise of MCAI’s Indrajit Sharma and Vipin Mishra, who brought forth the perspectives and concerns of Music Directors. 

 

"Together, this collaboration has paved the way for a more equitable and respectful creative ecosystem. We would also like to thank senior lyricists Sameer Anjaan, Mayur Puri, Swanand Kirkire and Varun Grover for their support and contributions," Habib added.

 

Raj Shekhar, who has penned chartbuster tracks for projects like Netflix's 'Mismatched', Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Animal' (2023) and Aanand L Rai's 'Tanu Weds Manu' (2011), said lyricists and music composers are "creators of a song—equally."

 

Shekhar, who is also the Executive Committee Member, SWA, added, "A music room with a composer and a lyricist who trust each other is a beautiful place. This MOU will make the song-making process equal, transparent, responsible, and rewarding for both of them. It will strengthen the mutual trust between them. This is historic."

 

⁠The MoU gives excellent business practices for streamlining the artistic process and also the professional terms between Music Directors and Lyricists. It is especially empowering for newer music directors and lyricists and acts as a "fair business and fair creative practices module for their collaborations."

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