T-Series

Super Cassettes Industries Limited doing business as T-Series is an Indian music record label and film production company founded by Gulshan Kumar in 1983. It is one of the largest music labels in India and boasts a vast catalog of music across various genres including Bollywood film soundtracks, pop, devotional, and regional music.

History

T-Series was established by Gulshan Kumar, who started his career as a fruit juice seller in Delhi. He ventured into the music industry by selling pirated Bollywood songs on audio cassettes, which were highly popular in India during the 1980s. Eventually, he founded T-Series in 1983 as a small company dealing in the sale of audio cassettes. In its initial years, T-Series focused on producing devotional music albums, which found a wide audience in India. However, the turning point came in the 1990s when T-Series began to produce and distribute music for Bollywood films. The company quickly gained prominence by releasing hit soundtracks for blockbuster movies, establishing itself as a major player in the Indian music industry. After the untimely demise of Gulshan Kumar in 1997, his son Bhushan Kumar took over the reins of T-Series. Under his leadership, the company expanded its operations and diversified into film production. T-Series has since become synonymous with blockbuster Bollywood music and films.

Achievements

T-Series holds several records and achievements in the music industry. It became the first YouTube channel to surpass 100 million subscribers in 2019, marking a significant milestone in the digital era. The channel continues to be the most-subscribed YouTube channel in India, catering to a global audience with its diverse content. In addition to its digital success, T-Series has received numerous awards and accolades for its contributions to the Indian music and film industry. It has produced some of the highest-grossing Bollywood films, further solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the entertainment sector.

Controversies

Despite its success, T-Series has been embroiled in controversies over the years. One of the most notable controversies involved allegations of copyright infringement against the company for its aggressive stance on taking down videos and songs on YouTube. T-Series has faced criticism from independent creators and artists for its handling of copyright claims on the platform. Additionally, T-Series has been involved in legal battles with other music labels and artists over royalty issues and copyright disputes. These controversies have sparked debates about intellectual property rights and the role of corporations in the digital age.

Legacy

T-Series has left an indelible mark on the Indian music and film industry, shaping the cultural landscape of the country. With its vast catalog of music and films, the company continues to entertain millions of fans worldwide. Despite facing challenges and controversies, T-Series remains a dominant force in the entertainment sector, reflecting the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, Gulshan Kumar.

References

1. "T-Series." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Series
2. "T-Series becomes first YouTube channel to hit 100 million subscribers milestone." India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/t-series-becomes-first-youtube-channel-to-hit-100-million-subscribers-milestone-1558154-2019-05-30
3. "T-Series: How a music company became the king of YouTube." BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47411060