At an awards function, Abhay arrived with a swollen eye and when asked if he was alright, he said, “No, I am not alright. My film is releasing Jan 31. My music has not yet released because the music company wants me to get the composers Shankar-Ehsaan and Loy to sign a clause which is illegal.”
Abhay Deol has been one of the first actor-producers who have taken a stand against the malpractices of the music production houses, such as T-Series and have gone all out protesting against them. In an open letter that Deol wrote to his fans on Facebook, he explains why he is up in arms against the record labels, in his case, T-Series.
“Well the entire music fraternity is up in arms against the record labels because they expect musicians to sign a contract with a clause that is against the law. Producers like myself are expected to make sure that they sign. Which means if anyone is arrested for breaking the law it will be the producer!
I am also against the exploitation of artists. I believe in their rights and even if a musician was ready to sign it, I would advise him/her against it. As a result, I have no album in the market. In fact now, I wouldn’t be surprised if the music company pulls out my promos from the TV channels. I don’t have radio play anyway.”
Below is a letter that Abhay Deol wrote to his fans on Facebook, describing why he was standing against the big bad music producers of Bollywood.
GET READY FOR A BATTLE-
My friends, I just did the unthinkable. I took on the giant record label of the music industry. Many of you on FB and those I meet on the road have been asking me when the music of my film will release. It is the 14th of January, my film is out on the 31st of this month and yet there are no albums available in the market.
Well the entire music fraternity is up in arms against the record labels because they expect musicians to sign a contract with a clause that is against the law. Producers like myself are expected to make sure that they sign. Which means if anyone is arrested for breaking the law it will be the producer!
I am also against the exploitation of artists. I believe in their rights and even if a musician was ready to sign it, I would advise him/her against it. As a result, I have no album in the market. In fact now, I wouldn’t be surprised if the music company pulls out my promos from the TV channels. I don’t have radio play anyway.
So far, no producer or studio has taken on this record label. Me and Viacom have nothing more to lose, they have already killed any potential buzz the music could have created for the film had it been put up for sale weeks ago. At the moment I have the entire music fraternity behind me. Ram Sampat and Sona Mohapatra , Amit Trivedi, Vishal and Shekhar, Javed Akhtar and of course Shankar Ehsaan and Loy have all expressed their support.
Now I am just waiting to see which producers, actors and studios will come forth to highlight this issue.
I hope my film will not suffer as a result.
I believe in the power of the individual.
This, not only requires a standing ovation, but also your support! Artist rights have long been exploited, but with Abhay Deol taking a stand, let’s hope more producers come out and take a stand against this exploitation.