Singing the rights tune

Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, Lata Mangeshkar and Sanjay Tandon

In a bid to secure equitable rights for singers and musicians, the Indian Singers and Musicians Rights Association (ISAMRA, since August 2023), formerly known as the Indian Singers Rights Association (ISRA), has been determinedly advocating for equality with composers and lyricists. The association, which underwent a name change a few months ago, remains resolute in its mission to extend the duration of royalty rights for singers.

Shedding light on their continued long fight, Sanjay Tandon, CEO and founder of ISAMRA, says, "For singers and musicians, the rights to royalty are valid for 60 years from the date of release. We want that to be increased by 10 years. Moreover, composers and lyricists can earn royalty on their creations for 60 years even after their demise, which is not the case for singers and musicians. We are asking the government to accord the same terms and conditions to the singers as well." Highlighting the historical struggle, Tandon recalls that the fight for singers' rights began in 1990 - under the leadership of the late Lata Mangeshkar, Alka Yagnik, Sonu Nigam, and Tandon, among others - when they were considered mere "vocal instruments." "We've been continuously fighting for singers to get the royalty in the same way that composers and songwriters get." The fraternity finally secured the royalty rights for singers in June 2012. "The law was changed by the parliament, which recognised that whenever a song is played in public, the singers will get the royalty," adds Tandon.

Discussing the association's transition from ISRA to ISAMRA last year, Tandon explains that the decision was driven by realisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We felt that our musician brothers, who are entitled to royalty, should also get their due. That's how ISRA became ISAMRA." Since April 2022, the association has collected over Rs 50 crore annually and is also affiliated with more than 70 societies worldwide, representing foreign artistes in India and collecting royalties from foreign countries. "This is the first time singers and musicians are getting royalties, not only in India but overseas too. This is a great achievement for ISAMRA," beams the association head.

But the struggle is far from over. The association now hopes to include the legal heirs of singers and musicians as members, ensuring they receive their rightful royalties.