In a watershed moment for India‘s entertainment industry, the Music Composers Association of India (MCAI) and Screenwriters Association (SWA) have formalized a groundbreaking partnership that promises to reshape creative collaboration across Bollywood and beyond.
The milestone memorandum of understanding, inked after months of negotiations, establishes composers and lyricists as “equal co-authors” in song creation, designating both as “primary artists” for credit purposes. The pact mandates separate contracts with producers, empowering both parties to negotiate independently as departmental heads.
“Every note of music tells a story, and every word of a lyric brings it to life,” said filmmaker-composer Vishal Bhardwaj, who serves as MCAI president. The acclaimed multi-hyphenate behind “Khufiya” (2023), “Haider” (2014), and “Omkara” (2006) called the agreement “more than an agreement; it’s a promise to ensure fair credit, respect, and independence for all who contribute to the magic of music.” He added that the milestone was the result of “a shared commitment to building a fair and collaborative future – one where creative contributions are recognized, valued, and protected.”
SWA general secretary Zama Habib, the screenwriter behind immensely popular Star India TV series “Anupamaa” and “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai,” characterized the MoU as a “declaration” that lyricists and music directors stand united as “co-artists, ensuring fair credit, mutual respect, and professional independence.”
The agreement emerged from extensive discussions between SWA’s lyrics team featuring Puneet Sharma, Raj Shekhar, Hussain Haidry, Danish Javed, and Shellee, alongside MCAI representatives Indrajit Sharma and Vipin Mishra. Senior lyricists Sameer Anjaan, Mayur Puri, Swanand Kirkire and Varun Grover also contributed to the process.
“A music room with a composer and a lyricist who trust each other is a beautiful place,” noted Raj Shekhar, Executive Committee Member of SWA and the pen behind hits for Netflix’s “Mismatched,” Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Animal” (2023) and Aanand L. Rai’s “Tanu Weds Manu” (2011). “This MoU will make the song-making process equal, transparent, responsible, and rewarding for both of them… This is historic.”
The framework is particularly beneficial for emerging talent, establishing a “fair business and fair creative practices module” for collaborations throughout Indian cinema and television, as noted in the agreement.
