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. 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.” 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.
