Kanika Kapoor, the voice behind popular Bollywood tracks like 'Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan' and 'Baby Doll,' has recently brought to light the stark financial realities faced by singers in the Indian music industry. In a recent interview, Kapoor revealed that many singers, including herself, receive shockingly low payments for their work, sometimes as little as ₹101.

Kapoor shared that the industry standard often involves minimal compensation for singers, regardless of their popularity or the success of their songs. She expressed her willingness to show her contracts as proof, stating that she has personally received only ₹101 for some songs. According to Kapoor, the prevailing attitude in the music industry is that providing an opportunity to sing is already a favor in itself. She also claimed that even the most accomplished and celebrated singers in India are often not adequately compensated for their contributions. While she refrained from naming specific artists, she implied that this issue is widespread and well-known within the industry.

Kapoor highlighted a significant issue: the lack of a proper publishing or royalty structure for singers in India. This means that singers often do not receive ongoing financial benefits from the use of their songs, unlike composers and producers who may benefit from royalties. This absence of a royalty system further limits the earning potential of singers and perpetuates the cycle of low payments.

So, if singers are not earning substantial income from singing songs, what is their real source of income? Kapoor explained that live performances and events are the primary income source for many singers in India. Singers rely on live shows, concerts, and private events to generate revenue. The money earned from these performances helps to offset the low payments received for recording songs and sustain their careers.

Kapoor's statements shed light on the systemic issues within the Indian music industry that affect the financial stability of singers. Her revelations have sparked conversations about fair compensation, royalty structures, and the overall treatment of singers in the industry. It remains to be seen whether this increased awareness will lead to meaningful changes and improvements in the way singers are valued and compensated in the Indian music industry.