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Daboo Malik Weighs In on Amaal Mallik's Royalty Debate, Says Structure Differs

Music composer Daboo Malik has addressed the ongoing royalty debate sparked by his son Amaal Mallik. He acknowledged the concerns but explained that music labels' higher investments justify their larger earnings. Amaal had recently revealed earning Rs 1.5 lakh from a viral song while the label made crores. Daboo expressed optimism that future royalty structures will become more equitable for artists.

Key Points: Daboo Malik on Amaal Mallik Royalty Concerns: Investment Higher

  • Daboo Malik acknowledges Amaal Mallik's royalty concerns but highlights industry complexities
  • He notes music labels invest more, so they earn more
  • Amaal earned Rs 1.5 lakh from a viral song while label made crores
  • Daboo remains optimistic about future royalty equality
2 min read

Daboo Malik on Amaal Mallik's royalty concerns, says 'can't compare to music labels as their investment is much higher'

Daboo Malik reacts to son Amaal Mallik's royalty concerns, explaining that music labels' higher investment justifies their larger earnings, but hopes for fairer shares.

"These earnings can never be equal to a music company's revenue because their investment and system are much larger. - Daboo Malik"

Mumbai, April 27

Music composer Daboo Malik, in an exclusive conversation with, has opened up on his perspective on the ongoing conversation around royalty in the music industry, that was initially sparked by his son, singer-composer Amaal Mallik.

Reacting to Amaal's recent remarks about a singer not receiving royalties proportionate to a song's success, Daboo acknowledged the concern but also pointed out the complexities around it.

Amaal had recently shared how despite a single of his having gone viral, the music label earned in crores but he just received a comparatively much less amount.

Sharing his take, Daboo explained, "Today, we also run our own music label, and it's not easy. There are many factors involved. I understand that when an artist achieves international success or has a viral song globally, the earnings can be very high. But here, the structure is different."

He further elaborated on how the ecosystem works in India. "If you succeed in independent music today, you are still earning substantial royalties. Artists are making crores through royalties. However, these earnings can never be equal to a music company's revenue because their investment and system are much larger."

Despite the disparity, the composer expressed of seeing it change and remained optimistic about the future. "In the coming era, everyone will get a better and more equal share of royalties," he added.

For the uninitiated, recently, Amaal Mallik had mentioned in an interview that he had made a song that people people loved. He added that while he earned around Rs 1.5 lakh, the music company made much more money, probably in crores. Amaal had expressed disappointment in the royalty structure saying that he didn't get what he deserved.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's complicated yaar. Amaal is right that artists are underpaid for viral hits, but labels do invest heavily in marketing. Maybe a middle ground where successful songs have a sliding royalty scale? Also, independent artists today earn well through streaming if they know how to use it. Good insight from Daboo Malik though! 🎵
R
Rahul R
Amaal should take it up with his label instead of complaining publicly. Everyone knows the game—labels take the lion's share because they take the financial risk. If you want more, become independent like some artists are doing. Daboo is just speaking from experience as a label owner himself.
M
Michael C
As someone who follows global music trends, I think the Indian industry is way behind on artist compensation. In the West, advances and royalty splits are more transparent. But Daboo isn't wrong—labels do pump in crores for production, videos, and promotion. The solution? Better contracts and artist education. Both sides need to grow up.
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Nisha Z
I think people forget that Amaal himself comes from a privileged film family. His father and uncle are established composers. So this feels like an internal industry tussle more than a grassroots artist struggle. But still, the point about royalty reform is valid for all small-time musicians who get even less. Daboo is just protecting his label interests, let's be real.
R
Rekha R
Both have valid points. Amaal earned 1.5 lakh for a viral song while label made crores—that's unfair. But Daboo says labels invest more, which is

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