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Singer Sonu Nigam has opened up about one of the most challenging phases of his career, revealing that T-Series and Zee Music allegedly stopped working
with him after he spoke out about copyright and royalty rights for singers. During a recent interview, the veteran singer recalled being labelled "an activist" after taking a stand for artists' rights, a move he claims cost him opportunities in the music industry. However, Sonu said the landscape has changed over the years, with major music labels now paying royalties to singers and rebuilding their relationship with him, calling the outcome a long-overdue shift.
Sonu Nigam reveals he was banned by T-Series, Zee Music
Singer Sonu Nigam has reflected on a difficult chapter in his career, claiming that major music labels T-Series and Zee Music stopped working with him after he raised concerns over copyright and royalty rights for singers. Speaking on the Game Changers podcast, the singer said his decision to advocate for artists' rights came at a professional cost, though he believes it ultimately contributed to positive changes in the industry.
Looking back on his career, Sonu described it as a journey shaped by changing phases of success and setbacks.
"My time came, then it passed, and now it has come back again. It's all a matter of time. When I was at my peak, people gave me so much love. I was releasing albums, people were going crazy for them, and even my posters used to sell. Then I raised the copyright issue. T-Series banned me. Zee Music also stopped working with me. They said, 'He's become an activist.'"
The singer admitted he never imagined that taking a stand on copyright would have such far-reaching consequences.
"I never thought I would be banned. I believed we would eventually resolve the issue, but things only kept getting worse. When I saw doors closing for me, I realised that while they could stop giving me songs, they could never stop me from performing on stage," he said.
According to Sonu, the industry's stance on singers' royalties has undergone a significant shift over the years. He said music labels that once opposed his demands are now paying royalties to singers, and their relationship has since turned cordial, with both sides meeting warmly and sharing meals. He added that someone had to take the first step in pushing for the change.
Sonu Nigam also described the copyright movement as a responsibility he felt compelled to carry forward, saying he believed he was continuing a fight that legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar had initiated but could not complete. He said he was prepared to risk his career because he felt someone had to take a stand for singers' rights. According to the singer, once the legal framework changed, music companies realised that his demands had never been unreasonable, paving the way for a renewed relationship with the industry.
