A landmark moment for India’s music ecosystem as ISAMRA distributed ₹100 crore in royalties, recognising the contributions of over 26,000 singers and musicians In a landmark move for India’s music industry, the Indian Singers’ and Musicians’ Rights Association (ISAMRA) distributed ₹100 crore in royalties to over 26,000 singers and musicians, based on performances of more than 4 lakh tracks that had collectively been played over 4.5 crore times across radio, television, digital platforms and public performances.
The distribution, covering works played up to March 31, 2025, marked one of the largest royalty payouts in the country and reinforced the growing importance of performers’ rights in India’s evolving music ecosystem and the strength of ISAMRA. ISAMRA (Indian Singers’ and Musicians’ Rights Association) remained India’s registered copyright society representing singers and musicians, ensuring they received music royalties for the use of their performances. The organisation had been crucial in establishing singers’ rights in India following the 2012 copyright amendments, and more recently, had also worked towards securing the rights of musicians, especially session artistes who had historically remained unrecognised within the royalty framework.
Among the top names in the ISAMRA royalty distribution list were Arijit Singh, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, Kumar Sanu, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, KK, Diljit Dosanjh, SP Balasubramaniam, Mohammed Rafi, KJ Yesudas, AR Rahman, Daler Mehndi and Shaan, among several others — a powerful mix of legendary voices and contemporary icons whose music continued to resonate across generations and drive India’s music royalties ecosystem.
The payout reached a wide spectrum of artistes across film, folk, devotional and independent music, including singers, musicians, chorus artists and session performers. ISAMRA had also played a key role in creating a more cordial copyright environment in India by signing historic agreements with music labels, thereby avoiding prolonged litigation and recognising each other’s rights within the ecosystem, strengthening the music industry in India.
In parallel, ISAMRA had been building an extensive metadata repository of lakhs of songs performed by artistes, addressing a long-standing gap in India where structured performer data had largely been absent. ISAMRA also actively reached out to singers and musicians who remained unaware of their rights, integrating them into the royalty ecosystem and ensuring that payments reached even those who had never imagined benefiting from their past work.
Calling the ₹100 crore payout “not just a number but justice for performers,” Sanjay Tandon, Founder and Managing Director, ISAMRA, said the initiative reflected a long-overdue correction in how artistes were valued, adding that it marked a defining cultural moment that acknowledged voices which had shaped and continued to shape India’s musical memory. He further emphasised that many singers and musicians who had performed in their heyday had never dreamt of receiving royalties within their lifetime, a reality now made possible through ISAMRA’s sustained efforts. ISAMRA Chairman Anup Jalota described the development as a historic correction, emphasising that royalties were a right, not a privilege, and that the milestone represented years of persistence finally translating into tangible recognition for the fraternity.
Echoing the sentiment that anchored this moment, ISAMRA Director Sonu Nigam said, “This move went beyond applause. It gave performers a financial identity. For years, recognition came in the form of love and appreciation, but this ensured dignity and sustainability. It acknowledged that the voices behind the songs were not just remembered, but rightfully rewarded.”
ISAMRA Director Shaan added that the industry had finally begun moving from mere recognition to real protection of artistes, stating that the scale of this ISAMRA royalty distribution sent a clear message that performers’ rights in India were strengthening and here to stay. This ₹100 crore distribution was more than a financial milestone. It was a cultural shift — one that placed creators firmly at the centre of the industry they had built and sustained. The distribution of royalties collected for over 4 lakh tracks played over 4.5 crore times once again reiterated ISAMRA’s position as the numero uno organisation in India’s music royalty ecosystem, ensuring that singers and musicians received their rightful due while strengthening performers’ rights and music royalties in India.
