The Unsung Heroes of Bollywood: The Pressing Need for Media to Amplify Writers’ Voices

In the world of Bollywood, the stars often bask in the spotlight, with their glamorous lives and high-octane performances drawing the lion’s share of public attention. Yet, behind every captivating story, sharp dialogue, and memorable lyric, there is a writer whose words breathe life into the screen. As debates about fair credit and remuneration for these unsung heroes continue, it becomes increasingly evident that the media plays a crucial role in changing the narrative and ensuring that writers receive the recognition they so rightfully deserve.

Writers are the architects of cinema. They conjure stories, craft dialogues, and create the lyrics that shape the emotional and narrative framework of films. Without their creative input, the dazzling performances of actors and the grandeur of production design would lack context and substance. Yet, despite their foundational role, writers often remain in the shadows, overshadowed by the star power that dominates media coverage.

Veteran actor and writer Saurabh Shukla poignantly highlighted this disparity, saying, “Now you tell me, how can we writers be unsung heroes if the media is on our side. Media should sing for us.” Shukla’s statement underscores a critical issue: the media's responsibility to elevate the profile of writers and give them the recognition they deserve.

The media wields immense power in shaping public perception and highlighting achievements in the film industry. Traditionally, this spotlight has been dominated by actors and filmmakers, with the contributions of writers often relegated to the background. This imbalance raises an important question: Is the media fulfilling its role in providing equitable recognition for all contributors to cinema?

In recent years, there have been efforts to address this imbalance. Awards ceremonies and media features have increasingly started to acknowledge the contributions of writers. However, these efforts remain sporadic and insufficient. The media’s tendency to focus on the star-studded glamour of film promotions often sidelines the essential role of writers, who are the very foundation of storytelling.

The ongoing debate about fair credit and remuneration for writers is not just about recognition; it’s about creating a more equitable industry. Filmmaker Karan Johar offered a critical perspective on the broader financial challenges faced by the industry. “The cost of filmmaking has increased. There has been inflation there and then the star remunerations…There are about 10 viable actors in Hindi cinema and they all are asking for sun, moon and earth and you are paying them and then you are paying the film, the marketing expenditure and then your films don't do the number,” Johar noted.

Johar’s comments reflect a growing frustration within the industry about the financial pressures and the impact on content creation. As star salaries rise and production costs balloon, there is a pressing need to reassess how budgets are allocated and to ensure that writers are fairly compensated for their indispensable contributions.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra, a prominent filmmaker, has also weighed in on the need for greater cooperation within the industry. “I feel we should be more cooperative than we currently are and have the courage to move forward with everyone,” Chopra said. His call for unity and collaboration echoes the need for a collective effort to address the systemic issues facing writers.

For real change to occur, it is essential for the media to play an active role in shifting the focus from the star-centric narrative to a more inclusive celebration of all contributors. This means not only highlighting the work of writers but also advocating for fair remuneration and recognition within the industry.

The time has come for the media to step up and fulfill its role in ensuring that writers receive their due credit. By amplifying the voices of these creative professionals and addressing the imbalances in recognition and remuneration, the media can help foster a more equitable and inclusive film industry. As we celebrate the stars, let us also shine a light on the unsung heroes whose words and ideas form the very heart of cinema.