Tanishk Bagchi Calls Out ‘Unfair’ No-Royalty System in Hindi Music Industry

In a recent interview with Faridoon Sharyar, the composer spoke out on financial struggle in Bollywood music, and why it requires real reform.

“37 Billion Views… People Think I Own a Jet”

Tanishk also had an estimate that his videos’ view count on YouTube topped 37 billion views and streaming has risen beyond that all the way to an estimated 37 billion views, Tanishk shared. But the high view counts are, he pointed out, not synonymous with repeated earnings for many composers in India, he said.

He said if he talks about those numbers overseas people presume he must be phenomenally wealthy — even joking that they think he owns a jet. But the truth, he says, is much different.

In the West, composers, lyricists, sound engineers, and musicians have full access to royalties — guaranteed long-term financial security. But the actual number of artists in India is very low. They are paid a single fee with negligible benefits from royalties.  

Tanishk on Royalties & Music Industry Struggles

Tanishk feels the arrangement is biased and that instrumentalists and background musicians play major parts on smash hits without receiving royalty income. 

He said organizations including the Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS) have made a difference, but that there was a lot of work to be done. 

P.R. and promotions were essential in today’s music landscape as well He said this is something many talented musicians can no longer afford.

For him, success in Bollywood music is fleeting. For a person like me who has brought home a huge number like Saiyaara in 2025, having to start over from scratch in the process.

Fame is something that is relatively quickly coming and going, you’ve got it, but how the hell do you continue? With all the obstacles, Tanishk said the only way for this kind of musician to succeed is to work with the broadest diversity in the industry.  

Tanishk Bagchi’s Career Highlights

Tanishk Bagchi worked in television music, including shows like Thapki...Pyaar Ki, before becoming one of Bollywood's most sought-after composers.

He first established himself as a solo composer with Samandar from Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon as well. His biggest move came when he recorded Dilbar for Satyamev Jayate in 2018 as well, earning 20 million views in just 24 hours. 

He followed it up with another blockbuster remake, Aankh Marey from Simmba. By 2025, the song from Saiyaara earned him a chartbuster and a career changer.

He has then written for films such as Son of Sardaar 2 and Dhadak 2 and has recently produced hits such as Tumse Behtaar from Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.