India, March 2 -- After making a mark as writers in the Hindi film industry, Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar did not take kindly to their missing credits in film publicity posters; and so just before the release of the Amitabh Bachchan-led 'Zanjeer', the duo hired a painter to write their names on the film's posters put up across Mumbai alongside the name of the director, the actor and actress. While this was a first in the film industry, it did not change the fact that writers and musicians have continued to be classed second to lead actors and directors, not just in film credits but also while seeking monetary benefits.

In a small but significant move, an effort has been made to change this. The Music Composers Association of India (MCAI) ...