Pooja Bhatt and Sona Mohapatra indulge in war of words over exploitation of musicians in the industry

Two of the strongest personalities in the business Sona Mohapatra and Pooja Bhatt seemed to have locked horns in a Twitter tiff.  Sona had taken a dig at Pooja recently saying that the actress should reflect rather than be defensive when it comes to ‘systemic problem’ in the film industry. Pooja presented her views on the subject as well. Read on to know the details of their debate.

Recently Pooja commenting on nepotism debate had shared about giving an opportunity to new talent in ‘Sadak 2’. But, Sona Mohapatra had a different take as she said that these new talents should be given a stake in the business as well.

That is so nice Pooja.Your banner has been known to spot new talent for sure. Would mean so much more if these musicians had a stake in their music’s success? Everyone just ends up doing the favour of the ‘opportunity’ & this is an endless cycle in #Bollywood. Zero concept of IP. https://t.co/kfAXrXILR9

— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) July 9, 2020

& not that I blame you or Vishvesh films. It is a systemic problem in our industry & country; ‘exploit or be exploited’. That music labels in India don’t have an A&R in place that discover, nurture and promote artists – the heart of modern music business is the biggest tragedy. https://t.co/I61FyoJIOL

— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) July 9, 2020

Sona also took a dig at Pooja by saying, “Having said that @PoojaB1972 , might be a time to reflect on creating a healthier, creative eco-system instead of just being defensive? This mindset of-“We provide you the chance, so we will make all the money out of your work” for creators of music is truly exploitative & wrong.”

Having said that @PoojaB1972 ,might be a time to reflect on creating a healthier, creative eco-system instead of just being defensive? This mindset of-“We provide you the chance, so we will make all the money out of your work” for creators of music is truly exploitative & wrong. https://t.co/YGcJGw8DdK

— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) July 9, 2020

But, Pooja responded Sona saying that she should pose this question to the music companies instead of her. Pooja wrote, “Sona perhaps you should pose this to the music companies. As for me,I compensate the people who compose music & render songs for my banner handsomely and do not believe in staking claim to their revenue from shows. Change the system on IP? Bring on the change. Am all for it.” 

Sona perhaps you should pose this to the music companies. As for me,I compensate the people who compose music & render songs for my banner handsomely and do not believe in staking claim to their revenue from shows. Change the system on IP? Bring on the change. Am all for it. https://t.co/Vcy8CcRZM5

— Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) July 10, 2020

Pooja also added that she has done far more over the years than merely reflect. She wrote, “As someone who produced my first film at 25 (Tamanna) with my own resources,I have done far more over the years than merely reflect. Am merely putting facts about a particular film and subject out. You want to term that defensive? That’s your call Sona. I take no offence.”

As someone who produced my first film at 25 (Tamanna) with my own resources,I have done far more over the years than merely reflect. Am merely putting facts about a particular film and subject out. You want to term that defensive? That’s your call Sona. I take no offence. https://t.co/ynIbLYPN0V

— Pooja Bhatt (@PoojaB1972) July 10, 2020

Sona wrote back saying that this is all a systematic issue, “Glad to hear from you Pooja. There is a systemic issue at hand as I said earlier. Producers & production houses acquire a Carte Blanche ownership of all authorship of the music & lyrics & subsequently ‘sell it’ to the music labels. This whole chain needs a rehaul from the ground up.”

Glad to hear from you Pooja. There is a systemic issue at hand as I said earlier. Producers & production houses acquire a Carte Blanche ownership of all authorship of the music & lyrics & subsequently ‘sell it’ to the music labels. This whole chain needs a rehaul from ground up. https://t.co/IBbZSEOhvr

— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) July 10, 2020

Sona clarified her views by tweeting, “Conversations, debates can help change the world. More importantly taking this opportunity to see & talk about a much bigger picture,the glaring inequalities & biases inherent in the industry; Dynastic rules, the Star System, misogyny.The ‘outsiders’ come in & become the same sadly.”

Conversations,debates can help change the world. More importantly taking this opportunity to see & talk about a much bigger picture,the glaring inequalities & biases inherent in the industry; Dynastic rules,the Star System,misogyny.The ‘outsiders’ come in & become the same sadly. https://t.co/0tSPMAF9cs

— Sona Mohapatra (@sonamohapatra) July 10, 2020

Stay tuned to this space for more updates on this story.

Also Read: Sona Mohapatra slams OTT platforms for bowing down to a few families of Bollywood