If only I could get my share of royalty for Munni Badnaam Hui, if not the recognition, that would be great. I hope we soon see a law that gives composers and writers a share of the royalty, " says a disappointed Lalit Pundit.
Pundit is the man behind Munni badnaam hui from Dabangg starring Salman Khan. But it's music composer brothers for the film, Sajid-Wajid, walked away with the accolades. Those close to Pundit say he has been dished out a raw deal.
Sajid-Wajid argue that Munni is a traditional folk song, and its inclusion in Dabangg's soundtrack doesn't take away from their own achievement.
"A lot of people outside the industry think Sajid-Wajid composed Munni. But everyone in the Hindi film industry knows it's my work, " says Pundit, adding on a diplomatic note, "The true reward is the song itself.
Munni could be one of the biggest item songs ever. I don't think there's any provision for shared music awards. Sajid-Wajid have worked on the rest of Dabangg's score and I wish them well. But Munni could be instrumental in the film taking away awards like Best Composer."
"We don't deny that Munni was one of the film's USPs. It was designed that way. It was the first song to go on air."
While Sajid-Wajid don't encourage guest composers, they couldn't turn down Khan's request, since the actor has been a mentor to the team.
"I can't say no to Salmanbhai. We've done all kinds of music -- from Mujhse Shaadi Karogi to Veer. Tere mast mast... reeks of the mitti of Uttar Pradesh, and since we are from Sahranpur, it makes us proud of our heritage. Long after the dust settles on other catchy songs, our Dabangg compositions will continue to be hummed, " says Wajid.