Bollywood Screenwriters Demand Fair Pay and Treatment

Over 100 screenwriters in Bollywood gathered on December 7 in response to a meeting called by the Screenwriters Association (SWA), a trade union representing writers, to address their concerns. In recent years, screenwriters in the industry have been increasingly vocal about the need for proper compensation and fair treatment.

Renowned figures such as Sriram Raghavan (Andhadhun), Sujoy Ghosh (Kahaani), Sumit Aroraa (Jawan), Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (Bareilly Ki Barfi), Shridhar Raghavan (Pathaan), Harshvardhan Kuklarni (Badhaai Do), Sudeep Sharma (Pataal Lok), Abbas Tyrewala (Pathaan), and others shared their perspectives on the need for change. According to an official press release from SWA, the main complaints revolved around shrinking average remuneration, producers' discretionary credit allocation, arbitrary terminations, and the writers' obligation to indemnify producers in case of socio-political backlash against their films.

The statement further highlighted that the writers are often compelled to relinquish their moral rights and right to receive royalties, despite these rights being protected by Indian copyright law. The gathering emphasized that while novice writers suffer the most, unfair contracts are prevalent even for established senior writers.

Anjum Rajabali (Raajneeti), chairperson of the Contracts Committee, stated, "It is time to declare 'enough!' Our work deserves appropriate commercial value, and writers deserve dignity. To achieve this, we must challenge the prevailing mindset toward our profession." Zaman Habib (Ye Rishta Kya Kehlaata Hai), General Secretary of SWA, expressed, "This meeting marks the beginning. We will unite to ensure fair and balanced contracts. It is the first step in the right direction."

Abbas Tyrewala (War) hailed the meeting as a historic event, while Pubali Chaudhuri (Rock On!!) welcomed it as a crucial step. The Writers Guild of America, the Hollywood counterpart to SWA, recently made headlines with a 148-day strike that brought the industry to a standstill, ultimately securing important victories for the writers.