Warner Chappell Launches in India; Jay Mehta to Lead Recorded Music and Publishing for WMG in India & Neighboring South Asian Markets

Why It Matters

A direct presence lets Warner compete more aggressively in India’s booming market and opens global revenue pathways for Indian creators.

Key Takeaways

• Warner Chappell launches direct publishing arm in India, led by Jay Mehta.
• Indian creator revenues rose 42% YoY to ~US$84 million in 2024.
• Bollywood share of streaming drops below 50%, boosting independent music.
• Songwriters gain AI‑driven royalty matching and real‑time earnings portal.
• Warner expands South‑Asian footprint with studios and tech hub in Mumbai.

Pulse Analysis

India’s music ecosystem is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by a surge in independent creators and a decline in Bollywood’s dominance. Streaming data shows Bollywood’s share of digital consumption slipping from roughly 80% to under half, while domestic non‑film catalogs now command the majority of listener attention. This shift has propelled creator‑driven revenues upward, with Indian collections climbing 42% year‑over‑year to an estimated US$84 million in 2024, positioning the market as a key growth engine for global labels.

Warner Chappell’s decision to move from a sub‑publishing model to a full‑scale, direct‑to‑market operation reflects a strategic response to that momentum. By establishing WCM India under Jay Mehta’s leadership, the company offers songwriters a suite of proprietary tools—such as the AI‑powered Global Match royalty matcher, a real‑time client portal, and the Pulse app—alongside physical studio space in Mumbai. These resources streamline rights administration, enhance royalty transparency, and connect Indian talent to Warner’s worldwide network, effectively turning local hits into global opportunities.

The launch also reshapes the competitive landscape. Warner joins a handful of majors that have invested heavily in India, following earlier distribution deals with Tips Music and acquisitions like Divo and E‑Positive. With a unified publishing and recorded‑music structure, Warner can more efficiently monetize cross‑border collaborations and capture a larger share of streaming royalties. As the Indian market continues to outpace many mature territories, Warner’s integrated foothold positions it to capitalize on emerging genres, attract multinational advertisers, and drive sustained revenue growth across the South‑Asian region.