Should Actors Demand Royalties for Re-run of Serials Like Ramayan and Mahabharat?

The question of whether actors should demand royalties for the re-run of long-running Indian serials such as Ramayan and Mahabharat is an interesting one. Despite popular belief, the answer is generally no, and this article aims to explain why.

The Role of Syndication Rights

The modern streaming age has brought renewed interest in classic television shows and serials. As a result, the concept of asking for money for a re-run has become more prevalent. However, the legal framework surrounding such demands often hinges on the presence of agreed-upon syndication rights.

Syndication Rights Are Negotiated in Advance

Syndication rights are typically negotiated well before production begins. This is a standard practice in the entertainment industry, and it involves casting the crew and artists long before principal shooting commences. The agreement between the actors and the production network typically covers these rights.

Why It Is Too Late Now

For serials like Ramayan and Mahabharat, the actors and other crew members did not negotiate these rights with the network at the time of production. The Indian national broadcaster, Doordarshan, has retained exclusive rights to these series due to being both the production and broadcasting house. The original contracts do not specify any syndication rights.

The Speciality of Doordarshan

Doordarshan is unique in that it owns the rights to these series right from production to broadcast. This exclusivity means that the network has the final say over any re-run agreements.

Negotiation Power and Unity

Many budding actors, who may be inexperienced, usually opt for high initial payments rather than negotiating for syndication rights. These payments often seem attractive but are based on upfront sums that do not guarantee future income. Additionally, actors lack the unity to jointly negotiate syndication rights, which are critical for future rights.

Volatility of Acting Career

The acting profession is inherently precarious. Artists often take early settlements to ensure they have a guaranteed role, compromising on future rights. These actions are driven by the need to secure their career prospects.

No Liability for Past Agreements

Doordarshan did not anticipate the massive impact these serials would have and did not negotiate future rights. As a result, they have no legal obligation to retroactively compensate actors for later re-runs. The contracts signed in the 1980s are final and binding.

Agreeing in Advance

For actors with concerns, the best course of action would be to revisit the original agreements or negotiate future terms at the time of production. By then, they would have a better understanding of the potential for their work to be re-run.

Sharing Profits Among Crew Members

It is essential to recognize the contributions of all crew members, including lead actors, background singers, musicians, and directors. These roles are pivotal in creating epic series. They put in significant time, money, and effort, often from a young age, contributing to the enduring legacy of the shows.

Demanding Fair Compensation

A supportive stance towards asking for fair compensation acknowledges the hard work and contributions of all involved. Age and the difficulty of the roles should also be considered. Fair compensation ensures that these individuals receive the recognition they deserve for their contributions to these iconic series.

The entertainment industry often rewards those who are most strategic and proactive. For actors to have a share of the profits from re-runs of Ramayan and Mahabharat, negotiation at the time of production would be the best approach. Ignoring syndication rights during the initial agreement may have left actors short-term benefits and long-term financial considerations.