Singer Kanika Kapoor, best known for her chartbusters like Baby Doll and Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, has made shocking revelations about the reality of the Indian music industry. Appearing on Bunkk With Uorfi, the singer opened up about how Bollywood singers are often not paid for their songs, despite the tracks becoming huge hits. Additionally, she even said she has contracts as proof to back her claim. Without naming anyone, she hinted that even India’s most celebrated playback singers are not properly compensated for their biggest songs, with no royalties or publishing rights attached. Her comments shed light on the lack of financial structure and rights for artists in Bollywood, sparking fresh debate about how the music industry treats singers compared to actors and producers.

When asked by Uorfi if there was anyone who gave her a hard time in the industry, Kanika responded bluntly, “Everybody.” Uorfi followed up, saying that Kanika had a viral song for which she was not paid. Kanika explained, “I don’t think any singer is really paid for songs in this industry. Maybe some independent music now, but otherwise no.” She went on to clarify, “Singers don’t really get paid. I can show you contracts where I was given Rs 101. They say they are doing you a favour. Even the greatest singer of India, I won’t take names, but I don’t think he has been paid for most of his greatest songs ever. There’s no publishing, no royalties, nothing like that in India today.” 

 
 
 
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A post shared by Bunkk with Uorfi (@bunkkwithuorfi)

 
 
 
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A post shared by Kanika G Kapoor (@kanik4kapoor)

Kanika also spoke about how singers manage to earn money despite not being paid for their recordings. According to her, the only income stream for singers is live performances and shows. She explained, “As long as you are alive and your voice works, you can keep performing shows and earn money. But if something happens tomorrow, there is no pension plan or long-term support for singers in India.” This stark reality, she said, makes the profession highly unstable. While the glamour of Bollywood music might look rewarding from the outside, the behind-the-scenes picture tells a very different story.

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Kanika Kapoor’s Work Front

Kanika Kapoor remains one of Bollywood’s most recognisable playback singers, with hits that have defined an era of Hindi film music. Her songs such as Lovely (from Happy New Year), Desi Look, Beat Pe Booty, Jugni Ji, and Luv Letter have been major successes. Despite the industry’s payment issues, she continues to perform live shows across the globe and release independent music.