MUMBAI: The Cine Music Directors Association has decided to lay down guidelines for composers, film's directors and producers as regards music of the film.
Taking note of the recent trend that has up to three music directors working on a single film, the CMDA feels this often leads to inconvenience and humiliation for composers that get replaced by someone else. Also the issue of foreign composers working in India was discussed at the association's meet last week
The meeting was attended by composers including Pritam, Anu Malik, Vishal Bhardwaj and Sulaiman Merchant.
"We are discussing this so that we function in a more cordial way - one should not step on somebody else's shoes," said composer Anu Mallik
CMDA chair person and composer Aadesh Srivastava said, "If a producer wants two composers it's OK, but the two composers should mutually agree and the second composers should take an NOC from the first composer(s) to work on the same film."
Anu Malik says, "Often the director keeps a composer in dark while he ropes in someone else. Some of the film makers are honest and upright and ask a composer to just compose two songs - I think that is fair, but no one should lie and then bring on a new composer later - it causes humiliation to one whom you have signed on first - its just not fair," adds Malik
But what is the reason behind producers or directors bringing in new composers midway through the film? Srivastava says, "Many times that happens because of the companies (music labels) pressure." However, that is not the sole reason says Malik, "Often the sound's change and the director requires a new sound- but can't a Vishal Shekhar, Salim-Sulaiman, Pritam or myself deliver? We are all capable - why do the producers have to sign on an outsider?"
Malik says the actors also at times influence the film's director, "You'll always find an Akshay Kumar insisting on having a track by RDB for his film."
Besides the issue of multiple composers working on films, the issue of foreign composers working in India has also been in news. Aadesh Srivastava, who has been in news for taking a stand against foreign composers that work in India said the CMDA will not stop anyone from working, "The only thing is he has to show valid papers and has to be a member of the association."
Malik voiced a similar sentiment, "The CMDA is getting very strong and people who don't follow rules they will be brought to the books. We will also be going to the producers, the directors and advertisers and making them aware about this," he added.