IT’S TIME: VISHAL CALLS OUT INDUSTRY’S ‘VULTURES’
Singer-composer Vishal Dadlani speaks up on how some have made careers by ‘stealing’ music
Serving old wine in a new bottle is something that Bollywood filmmakers have been practising in abundance in recent times by cashing in on the popularity of old chartbusters and dishing out their remixed versions. Composer Vishal Dadlani of the Vishal-Shekhar duo has taken a hard stand against it. In a recent social media post, Vishal issued a “warning”, saying, “I will sue anyone making remixes of VishalShekhar songs. I’ll even move court against the films and musicians... Make your own songs, vultures!”.
He also urged people not to remix the duo’s songs without their “permission, due credit and remuneration”. “Especially the musicians doing it. This will become very, very personal, even if you are a friend,” wrote Vishal, who has learned that after O Saki, Saki reworked versions of Dus Bahaane, Deedaar De, Sajnaaji Vaari Vaari and Desi Girl are in the pipeline. Vishal expresses his concerns to us in an interview. Excerpts:
What irked you to put out this warning?
It is time.
Was your post directed towards a specific person?
No, it is directed towards a system of disrespect and misappropriation.
You mentioned that remixing songs is not the problem, but giving due credit was.
Credit, creative approval and remuneration must go to the original composers. Creative approval, above all.
Who is to be blamed?
People who want a quick, cheap, low-grade solution for songs to promote their films.
Shouldn’t music labels take the onus of following due process even if they wish to remix old numbers?
Musicians need to respect each other first, only then will anyone else do so. If you are asked to remix one of our songs, shouldn’t you at least clear it with us first?
As a composer, do you feel there are enough legal rights to support you in your fight?
It’s the agreements that are forcibly made with every composer. Virtually, every single one is signed under duress, in the guise of bestpractice. Thankfully, even hose are very specific hat the song(s) are being created for a specific film or project, and hopefully herefore, they can’t just e attached to any film or roject. I guess we’ll find ut in court the next time a ishal and Shekhar song is remixed.
It has almost become formulaic to have one remixed number in today’s films. Your thoughts?
At a time where formulaic films aren’t working, perhaps a formulaic approach to music should stop too?
Even you have brought out reworked versions of Bachna Ae Haseeno, Humein Tumse Pyaar Kitna and Disco Deewane. What’s your defence?
I don’t need a defence. Yes, we too have reworked songs — perhaps, five times, in a career of 350 songs. But each time, the original composer has been credited first, and where possible, spoken to personally. We have paid tribute. We also started this really unfortunate trend, which is perhaps why we must also finish it, if possible. Sadly, some people have made careers out of stealing other people’s work.