Salim Merchant claims YRF haven't paid him royalties for 4 years
Salim Merchant -- of composer duo Salim-Sulaiman -- has accused the prestigious production house Yash Raj Films (YRF) of not paying him royalties despite having collected them. He added this is the reason he has not worked with YRF for last four years.
"Yash Raj has been collecting money on behalf of the composer and lyricist -- that much I know -- but I don't know whether they have paid anyone. They have certainly not paid me and Sulaiman," Salim told The Quint.
He also claimed that the music label T-Series has also not cleared all his dues yet.
The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS), which comprises composers, singers and lyricists, reportedly filed an FIR against Yash Raj Films on November 20. It has been alleged that YRF has collected over Rs 100 crore in music royalty, which actually belongs to members of IPRS.
Also, YRF has allegedly prevented artistes of the IPRS from collecting royalties by pressurising them.
Salim further claimed IPRS chairperson and veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has also been deprived of his dues.
"I know Javed Akhtar sahab has not been paid, for sure... you know he's not been paid. Sulaiman and I have not been paid - any royalties that have come from Yash Raj, we have not been paid," The Quint further reported Salim as saying.
Most of Salim-Sulaiman's biggest hits are with YRF. These include music in films such as "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi", "Mardaani", "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl", "Aaja Nachle", "Band Baaja Baarat" and "Chak De! India" among others.
The duo is now focussing on performing at concerts globally and composing singles, besides creating music for films.
