The Indian Singers and Musicians Rights Association (ISAMRA), previously known as the Indian Singers Rights Association (ISRA), has emerged as a formidable advocate for the rights of artists in the Indian music industry. The organization, ushering in a new era for performers’ rights since August 2023, is on a campaign trail for equal status with composers and lyricists concerning the duration of royalty rights posthumously. The association’s redetermination follows a pivotal name change that signals its broader, more inclusive objective – to champion the causes of both singers and musicians.
Sanjay Tandon, the CEO and founding member of ISAMRA, has been a consistent voice in the ongoing struggle for performers’ rights in India. In an inspiring revelation, Tandon discusses the disparity in royalty rights where composers and lyricists enjoy benefits for 60 years following their death, whereas the same is not accorded to singers and musicians. “What we’re pushing for is parity in the royalty duration,” Tandon asserts. “It’s only just that singers and musicians have their rights extended by an additional 10 years to match those of composers and lyricists.”
The battle lines for this cause were drawn as early as 1990, spearheaded by iconic figures like the late Lata Mangeshkar, acclaimed songstress Alka Yagnik, and versatile vocalist Sonu Nigam. Tandon reminisces over the early days when vocalists were regarded as mere instruments and celebrates the subsequent triumph in June 2012 when parliament acknowledged that singers should be compensated through royalties whenever their songs are played publicly. This legislative victory was a watershed moment for ISAMRA and its members.
Yet, the organization knew all too well that progress never sleeps. The seismic disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic led ISAMRA to a profound realization – that their ‘musician brothers and sisters’ also faced a plight similar to that of singers. This solidarity gave birth to the transition from ISRA to ISAMRA, marking a significant step towards inclusivity.
With the evolution complete, ISAMRA has since been on a remarkable run. Since April 2022, they have collected an annual sum of over Rs 50 crore in royalties and have forged partnerships with more than 70 societies across the globe. Tandon beams with pride as he recounts the progress, “For the first time ever, Indian artists are reaping the fruits of their labor both domestically and internationally.”
The organization’s newfound global reach isn’t their only focus; ISAMRA’s next venture tackles a more personal aspect of the performer’s legacy. The association seeks to envelop the families of singers and musicians within its protective domain, ensuring that the legal heirs continue to benefit from their predecessors’ artistry.
“Art knows no bounds, and neither should the rights of those who create it,” Tandon poetically conveys. ISAMRA’s expanded mandate values the enduring influence of music, ensuring that the echoes of a performer’s voice resonate financially and sentimentally with their kin. This pioneering effort showcases the power of collective action within the arts community and speaks to the reverence held for the cultural contributions of India’s singers and musicians.
As ISAMRA marches on with unwavering resolve, its ongoing efforts underline a simple truth: the melodies may fade with time, but the rights of those behind them must persist for as long as the songs continue to inspire, comfort, and entertain generations. This noble cause, championed by ISAMRA, aims to strike a harmonious chord in the grand composition of performing arts rights and legacy.
