Anjum Rajabali Calls Global Streamers’ Bias Against Indian Writers ‘Modern Colonialism’
Anjum Rajabali Critiques Global Streamers for Bias Against Indian Screenwriters
Guardians of Screenwriting Rights
Anjum Rajabali, a distinguished screenwriter, has openly critiqued the unfair treatment of Indian writers by global streaming platforms. He has labeled this bias "modern-day colonialism," drawing attention to the stark disparities between how Indian writers and their international counterparts are treated.
Rajabali, recognized for his notable works in films such as "Ghulam," "Pukar," and "The Legend of Bhagat Singh," made his comments during a panel at the International Affiliation of Writers Guilds’ annual meeting. This event marked a significant moment as it was hosted in India for the first time by the Screenwriters Association.
Addressing Critical Issues
The three-day event convened representatives from 15 global writers’ guilds, focusing on pressing concerns for screenwriters around the world. Rajabali stressed the importance of equitable treatment, stating, "It’s modern-day colonialism… If they deserve those rights, so do we."
He criticized the inconsistency in compensation, highlighting that while some writers receive mandated royalties, Indian writers face resistance to similar considerations.
The State of Screenwriting in India
Rajabali pointed out that the current system remains biased against writers in India. He drew parallels between Indian producers and a feudal mindset, noting their reluctance to grant unions the authority necessary for equitable negotiations. This sentiment was echoed by Laura Blum-Smith, Assistant Executive Director of the Writers Guild of America West, who discussed the erosion of sustainable writing jobs due to streaming practices.
Global Concerns
Jennifer Davidson from the Writers’ Guild of Ireland mentioned that unethical practices prevalent in the U.S. are likely to be replicated worldwide. The agenda also included the rising impact of Artificial Intelligence on the screenwriting industry, calling for global regulations to ensure its ethical use.
A Call for Solidarity
Rajabali concluded by emphasizing the necessity of solidarity among writers globally. He remarked, "This shows that we are not alone in the fight for writers’ rights. We need collective bargaining in our country to create opportunities for capable screenwriters."
As the discussion on the treatment of Indian screenwriters gains momentum, how do you think the industry can move toward fairer practices?
