This is what Salim Merchant and other artists have to say about Sonu Nigam’s movie mafia statement
By Purvi Jain
Recently Bollywood is being called for nepotism and favoritism in the industry. In the same context to it, Sonu Nigam revealed that a similar pattern exists in the music industry. He said that there exists mafia in the music industry too and only two companies are having the powers. Sonu Nigam without taking any names stated that new artists are not even getting work or paid and given any sort of credit for their work.
After Sonu Nigam’s Vlog came out, many emerging artists such as Amaal Mallik, Jubin Nautiyal, and others stated that his claims are not true. However, singer Monali Thakur, Adnan Sami and Salim merchant have supported these allegations on the music industry.
Monali told Bollywood spy that after watching his video she has thanked him for voicing his opinion. She added, “I was thankful to him because he’s a senior and he has been in the industry for so long. He’s a very big name and an Iconic musician. Nobody gets their due. That is the reason why I do not like the atmosphere of the industry. I do not even get movie songs anymore. I alienated myself because I care for my mental health. They do not care. They crush you like an ant. If you are signed up with a label and giving away 80 percent of your income, only then you get work. Why? It’s not healthy. Music labels were like gangsters, looting which rightfully belongs to the musicians. There might not be any nepotism in the music industry but there is GOONDAGARDI.”
Adnan Sami also released a statement on Instagram showing support to Sonu Nigam. In his statement, he said, “The Indian film and music industry SERIOUSLY needs a ‘Herculean’ SHAKE UP. Especially in the context of music, new singers, veteran singers, music composers, and music producer who are exploited to the HILT!! Fall into the DICTAT or you are OUT. Why is creativity beyond CONTROLLED by those you have no clue about ‘creativity’ and trying to play GOD? We have 1.3 billion people in India by the grace of God- is all that we have to offer is ‘remakes’ and ‘remixes’? For God’s sake stop this and allow the truly talented new artist breath and give you creative peace Musically & Cinematically!!!”
Salim merchant also came in the support of Sonu Nigam and said, “It is not just the singers, the composers are going through a tough time. The record label he is talking about has certain music directors and singers they work with. There are certain artists they have signed. There are definitely their favorite artists and composers which these labels work with. Sonu Nigam has not said anything wrong. Whatever he said is true. There are singers who get called and get dumped later. There are many directors who want to work with composers like us but when it reaches the record label, they have their own conditions and feel that they can’t work with us.”
Last week Sonu Nigam released a video where he has warned T-series head, Bhushan Kumar against maligning his name. He also slammed the group of new artists who said his statement is false.