Musicians and songwriters have played a pivotal role in Hindi films ever since the advent of talkies in India in 1931. The presence of songs in films became integral, especially with the rise of commercial cinema in the 1940s. Despite their significant contributions, musicians and lyricists often found themselves underpaid, not receiving compensation commensurate with the value they added to films. However, this scenario has drastically changed over the decades. Today, music composers, singers, and lyricists command fees running into lakhs per song, with the highest-paid lyricist securing over a crore for a single film.
India’s highest-paid lyricist is none other than Javed Akhtar, who overtook the venerable Gulzar in earnings just last year. According to Film Information, Javed Akhtar received a whopping Rs 25 lakh for penning the lyrics of “Nikle The Hum Kabhi Ghar Se” in Rajkumar Hirani’s upcoming film, Dunki. In December, while hosting a show called “Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaun,” Akhtar shared the backstory of his involvement with the song. “I usually don’t write just one track for a film,” he divulged. “Raju Hirani sahab asked me to write the lyrics for just one song. I initially declined but he was persistent. I presented what I thought were unreasonable terms, hoping he would be discouraged. Surprisingly, he agreed to those terms without hesitation.” For crafting this solitary track, Akhtar earned a separate credit on screen, highlighting the importance of his contribution.
Before Javed Akhtar ascended to this position, Gulzar held the title of the highest-paid lyricist in India, charging an impressive Rs 20 lakh per song even at the age of 88. Similar to Akhtar, Gulzar rarely limits himself to writing just one song for any film, preferring to craft the entire soundtrack. Until 2023, Javed Akhtar, who typically earns Rs 15 lakh per song, was the second highest-paid lyricist in the country.
Moving down the list, the third spot is occupied by Prasoon Joshi, who is not only the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) but also a prolific writer.
. Joshi commands a fee of Rs 10 lakh per song. He shares this position with composer and singer Vishal Dadlani, who also earns the same amount per song. Fifth on the list is Irshad Kamil, known for his poetic prowess, earning between Rs 8-9 lakh for each song he writes. Trailing closely is Amitabh Bhattacharya, with earnings of approximately Rs 7-8 lakh per song.
In the seventh position is Swanand Kirkire, who has made a name for himself with his distinctive style, earning Rs 5-6 lakh per song. Rounding off the list of top earners are Jaideep Sahni, Sameer Anjaan, and Anwar Faiz, all of whom charge Rs 5 lakh per song, cementing their status in the industry as top-tier lyricists.
The significant earnings of these lyricists reflect a broader evolution and acknowledgment of the immense value they bring to Hindi cinema. The commercialization of Indian cinema in the 1940s marked the beginning of a crucial shift where songs became central to film narratives. Despite this, for many years, the financial rewards did not match the creative input of those behind the music. This trend began to shift around the turn of the millennium, as the film industry’s revenue model evolved and the economic landscape of Indian cinema expanded.
Today, lyricists like Javed Akhtar and Gulzar are not just artists but also brands in themselves, commanding respect and remuneration that reflects their contribution to the industry. The lucrative earnings of these wordsmiths highlight not only their talent but also the industry’s growing recognition of their pivotal role in filmmaking. From setting emotional tones to enhancing narrative depth, the lyrics and music of a film form its heartbeat, deserving of both praise and financial compensation.
For Hindi cinema aficionados and music lovers, the evolution in the remuneration of lyricists is a testament to the enduring power and importance of film music in India. As the industry continues to grow, we can anticipate even greater recognition and rewards for the musicians and lyricists who enrich our cinematic experiences.
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