Industry Analysis: Bollywood-South Pay Disparity Exposed by Top Composer

A recent disclosure by prominent Bollywood composer Amaal Mallik has illuminated significant compensation disparities within India's film music industry. Mallik revealed that while his composition 'Sooraj Dooba Hain' generated approximately ₹70 crore in revenue, his personal compensation amounted to merely ₹1 crore. This revelation highlights a broader pattern where South Indian film composers reportedly earn up to five times more than their Bollywood counterparts for comparable work. Mallik further detailed his professional challenges, noting he was the first composer to demand formal credit for his contributions—a stance that resulted in his exclusion from approximately 45 film projects. This intelligence suggests systemic issues in Bollywood's compensation structures and credit attribution practices, potentially impacting talent retention and industry competitiveness. The disclosure warrants examination of contractual norms, revenue distribution models, and regional industry practices that may create such pronounced economic divides among creative professionals.