In July 2025, acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap sparked controversy by criticizing T-Series, India’s largest music label, for underpaying for the iconic soundtracks of his films Dev D (2009) and Gangs of Wasseypur (2012). Speaking to The Juggernaut in Mumbai, Kashyap accused T-Series, led by Bhushan Kumar, of prioritizing star power over musical quality, paying minimal sums for his films’ music despite their enduring popularity. This revelation highlights ongoing tensions in Bollywood’s music industry, where artistic value often clashes with commercial priorities.
In This Article:
- Kashyap’s Critique of T-Series
- Star Power Over Artistry
- Industry Implications
- A Call for Change
Kashyap’s Critique of T-Series
Anurag Kashyap, known for his unfiltered opinions, didn’t hold back in his interview. He stated, “If Bhushan Kumar is not buying it, then it is good music. T-Series doesn’t buy good music at a good price.” He revealed that T-Series paid “very little” for the music of Dev D, Gangs of Wasseypur, and Gulaal (2009), despite their critical acclaim and commercial success. For Dev D, a modern retelling of Devdas, Amit Trivedi’s National Award-winning soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon, yet Kashyap claims the producers, UTV Studios, received negligible compensation. Similarly, Gangs of Wasseypur’s raw, folk-inspired music by Sneha Khanwalkar and Piyush Mishra gained a cult following, but T-Series allegedly profited heavily while paying minimally.
Star Power Over Artistry
Kashyap highlighted T-Series’ focus on star-driven projects, noting they “only pay for the star in it” rather than the quality of music. Ironically, he pointed out that T-Series paid a substantial amount for Bombay Velvet (2015), starring Ranbir Kapoor, despite disliking its jazz-heavy soundtrack, which underperformed commercially. This underscores Kashyap’s argument that T-Series prioritizes marketability over artistic merit, a sentiment echoed across X posts where fans debated the label’s commercial approach.
Industry Implications
The controversy sheds light on broader issues in Bollywood’s music ecosystem. A 2024 report by The Indian Express noted that music labels often undervalue innovative soundtracks, favoring formulaic hits. Kashyap’s films, known for their groundbreaking music, have reshaped Hindi cinema, yet he claims T-Series reaped disproportionate profits. The lack of a public response from T-Series, as reported by News18, has fueled speculation on X about industry practices.
A Call for Change
Kashyap’s outspoken critique, while promoting his upcoming film Nishaanchi (set for release September 19, 2025), reignites discussions about fair compensation for artists. His comments resonate with fans and filmmakers advocating for quality-driven valuation in Bollywood. As Dev D and Gangs of Wasseypur remain cultural touchstones, Kashyap’s stand challenges the industry to rethink how it values its creative pioneers.
-By Manoj H