In a startling revelation that underscores the systemic undervaluing of playback singers in India, renowned singer Kanika Kapoor—known for chart-topping hits like ‘Baby Doll’ and ‘Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan’—has shed light on the meagre compensation artists often receive for their work. Speaking on Uorfi Javed’s YouTube show Bunkk with Uorfi, she confessed to receiving just Rs. 101 for a song.
Kanika Kapoor slams music industry’s pay structure; says, “Rs. 101 milte hain”
She stated, “Singers don’t really get paid. Main saare contracts dikhaati hu, 101 rupees milte hain. They say that they are doing you a favour. I can talk to you about the greatest singer of India. I am not going to give names, but very obvious. I don’t think that even he is being paid for most of his greatest songs ever. Or has any publishing, or has any royalty structure. There is nothing like that in India today.”
Her comments paint a bleak picture of an industry where fame and chartbusters don’t necessarily translate into fair financial remuneration.
Kapoor further highlighted the precarious nature of singers’ livelihoods, stating, “Only if you are alive and you are able to sing, agar aapki awaaz chal rahi hai, aur aap shows kar paa rahe hain. Jab tak aap shows kar paa rahe hain, tab tak aapko paise milenge. Kal ko kuchh ho jaaye to koi pension plan nahi hai singers ke liye.” (As long as your voice is working and you’re able to perform shows, you’ll keep earning. But if something happens tomorrow, there’s no pension plan for singers)
These remarks expose a stark reality: the recorded music ecosystem often offers negligible direct compensation or any royalty infrastructure. Instead, artists are forced to depend heavily on live performances to make a living.
The revelations have sparked fresh discussions on the need for structural reforms in India’s music industry. With playback singing forming the backbone of Bollywood’s musical identity, her candid account is a call to action for fair contracts, royalty systems, and long-term safety nets to safeguard artists’ well-being.
Kanika Kapoor’s straightforward admission is more than a personal grievance—it’s a clarion call. Her words highlight that even with fame and hit songs, the financial fate of playback singers in India remains precarious, governed more by live-stage survival than fair recognition of their recorded contributions.
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