Recently, Sonu Nigam put out a vlog in which he accused the music fraternity of favouritism and pointed out that it is ruled by what he termed as ‘music mafia’. He had said that they control music composers, singers and new talent which created a furore in the entertainment industry. Singers Adnan Sami and Monali Thakur had come forward to support him, now Salim Merchant from the composer duo-Salim-Sulaiman has also agreed to the situation.
Salim told a leading daily, “It is not just the singers the composers are also going through a tough time. The record labels he is talking about has certain music directors and singers they work with. There are certain artistes they have signed. There is definitely that favouritism for certain artistes and composers, which these labels work with. There are lot of composers like me, who don’t want to do just one song in the film. But there are others who are comfortable with the record labels terms and conditions and are okay to compose just one song in the film. Sonu Nigam has not said anything wrong. Whatever he has said is the truth. There are singers who gets called and they get dumped later on. There are so many directors who want to work with composers like ourselves, but when it reaches the record labels, they have their own conditions and they feel they cannot work with us.”
Adnan had written a scathing post on how things run in the music industry. He had written that the industry needs a ‘herculean shakeup’. Now in a fresh statement, he once again spoke about the insider-outsider and nepotism debate going on in the wake of Sushant Singh Rajput’s demise. He said, “We have all been privy to how in recent times roles and positions have been rewarded and the truth is, we have turned a blind eye towards what impact that maybe having on the overall culture of how our industry is looked at and most importantly how unwelcoming it makes someone who may not have a lineage feel. To be fair, it is only natural for the audience to show an interest and love for children of artists whom they adore, however to interpret that as a justified place and a right to feel entitled and crack distasteful 'inside' jokes in award functions with incredible new artists, as if they are giving you (the audience) the so called 'privilege' (for which they're being paid!!) to ridicule, humiliate and RAG new talent, which by and large is usually far more talented than them but, they use such tactics to demoralise them in order to keep themselves 'insecurely-secure' only because they are so called outsiders!!”
He further added, “Does this happen in the Oscars or Baftas? NO!!! This is Bollywood!!! We have the biggest pool of people consisting of 1.3 billion people!!! What is most important is to acknowledge the incredible children who are truly gifted with talent regardless of their pedigree and realise that nobody and absolutely nobody is entitled to anything. It is artists from all walks of life and then they decide who they wish to watch or hear. I have nothing against anyone who deserves to be in a position as long as it wasn't snatched away from a more deserving hand based off privilege.”
Alisha Chinai had agreed to Adnan’s previous lengthy post on Instagram a few days earlier as well and shared it on her page.
Kumar Sanu also voiced his thoughts and pointed out how "nepotism exists in Bollywood a little more than elsewhere". In a Facebook video, he said, “A new revolution has started with Sushant Singh's death. Nepotism exists everywhere but it happens a little more in Bollywood. You (audience) make artistes, you make us. People who make films or sit at the top cannot decide whose career will be made and who will be thrown out. Only you can take the decision on whom to accept and whom to reject."
He further said, "I'd like to offer an advice to those coming to Mumbai from outside to try their luck in the films, music or any related industry. After coming to Mumbai, first look for a job and then start your struggle. I did the same. This way, you would not have to worry about food and shelter while working on showcasing your talent. I hope the next generation gets equal amount of work because of Sushant Singh. Today Sushant Singh is no more but he has become immortal. May God give him peace.”
(Source: Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Hindustan Times)
