Darab Farooqui’s Bold Critique of Bollywood’s Flawed Pay System: Screenwriters Left Struggling
Screenwriter Darab Farooqui has publicly criticized the Bollywood film industry’s treatment of screenwriters, highlighting a system he deems unfair and exploitative. In a candid Twitter post, Farooqui detailed the financial struggles faced by writers, who, he claimed, are often underpaid and experience significant delays in receiving their dues. He explained the prevalent practice where writers receive just 10% of their payment upon signing a contract. They are then responsible for completing the entire script, yet only receive an additional 10-20% upon script approval. The remaining payment is contingent on the project’s final approval, often leaving screenwriters financially vulnerable, especially when projects are delayed or canceled.
Farooqui further elaborated that this structure forces writers to rely on the success of multiple projects just to make ends meet. For new writers, the situation is especially dire, as they receive even lower pay, which forces them into a cycle of relentless work to afford basic necessities like rent. Farooqui expressed frustration over the imbalance of risks and rewards, noting that producers and actors reap the majority of profits, despite writers bearing significant financial risks.
He argued this exploitative model contributes to the declining quality of Bollywood films, as undervalued and overworked writers are less able to produce quality content. Farooqui urged the film industry and its audiences to understand the critical role writers play and to advocate for fair treatment and financial protection for them.
His post sparked a broader conversation about the need for reforms to ensure timely and adequate compensation for screenwriters. Farooqui warned that the continued neglect of writers’ welfare could lead to further deterioration in the quality of Bollywood films, emphasizing the importance of defending art and artists to sustain the industry.
Original Story https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/darab-farooqui-criticizes-bollywoods-payment-system-screenwriters-receive-10-upon-signing-contract-must-write-entire-script/
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