In a candid chat that has taken the internet by storm, singer Kanika Kapoor pulled back the curtain on the Indian music industry's payment practices. Known for her infectious hits like "Baby Doll" and "Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan," Kapoor appeared on Uorfi Javed's popular YouTube podcast, "Bunkk with Uorfi," where she shared eye-opening insights into how playback singers are compensated—or rather, how they're often not.

The Shocking Conversation on "Bunkk with Uorfi"

Uorfi Javed, the bold social media sensation and host of the all-female podcast launched in July 2025, doesn't hold back in her interviews. The show, which drops new episodes every Friday, focuses on raw, unfiltered talks about life, struggles, and industry truths. In Kapoor's episode, Javed dove straight into the tough questions, asking the singer to name someone who had made her professional journey difficult. Kapoor's blunt response? "Everybody."

The discussion quickly turned to a viral song Kapoor had lent her voice to, one that exploded in popularity but brought her no financial reward. This prompted Kapoor to reveal a widespread issue plaguing Bollywood playback singers. She explained that most artists in the industry receive minimal or no payment for their contributions to film soundtracks, even when those tracks become massive successes.

Token Payments and the Myth of Fair Compensation

Kapoor didn't mince words, stating that singers are frequently handed just a symbolic amount—often as little as ₹101—as per their contracts. "I can show you all the contracts. I was paid ₹101," she said, adding that industry insiders frame this as a "favor" to the artists. This token payment, akin to a traditional shagun or good-luck gesture, underscores a deeper problem: the lack of proper fees, royalties, or publishing rights for vocalists.

She went further, hinting that this isn't limited to newcomers or mid-tier talents. Even India's most iconic singers—without naming names, but implying it's obvious—face the same exploitation. "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," Kapoor disclosed. This revelation highlights how the system favors music labels and producers over the creators who bring songs to life.

Where Do Singers Really Make Their Money?

So, if hit songs don't translate to paychecks, how do artists survive? According to Kapoor, the real earnings come from live performances and shows. "Only if you are alive and you are able to sing, if your voice is still going strong, and you can perform shows," she explained. Independent music is slowly changing the game, offering better deals, but mainstream Bollywood playback remains a raw deal.

This isn't Kapoor's first time addressing industry inequities, but her appearance on "Bunkk with Uorfi" has amplified the conversation, sparking debates on social media about fair pay and artist rights. As more voices join in, it could push for much-needed reforms in how India's music world operates.

In an era where viral hits dominate charts, Kapoor's story serves as a reminder that success doesn't always equal security. For aspiring singers, it's a wake-up call to diversify income streams beyond the studio mic.

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