shot-button
E-paper E-paper
Home > Entertainment News > Bollywood News > Article > Baby Doll fame Kanika Kapoor claims singers earn Rs 101 in India reveals how they actually make money

‘Baby Doll’ fame Kanika Kapoor claims singers earn Rs 101 in India, reveals how they actually make money

Updated on: 18 August,2025 11:23 AM IST  |  Mumbai
mid-day online correspondent |

Kanika Kapoor revealed that singers in India are often paid as little as Rs 101 for their songs, with no royalty or publishing structure in place. She revealed how singers truly earn in India

‘Baby Doll’ fame Kanika Kapoor claims singers earn Rs 101 in India, reveals how they actually make money

Kanika Kapoor

Listen to this article
‘Baby Doll’ fame Kanika Kapoor claims singers earn Rs 101 in India, reveals how they actually make money
x
00:00

Singer Kanika Kapoor has made shocking revelations about the payment structure for singers in India. The Baby Doll singer, in conversation with Uorfi Javed on her show Bunking with Uorfi, spoke about how singers are grossly underpaid in the industry and revealed how they truly earn their livelihood.

Kanika Kapoor reveals how much Indian singers earn


When Uorfi asked Kanika about a viral song of hers for which she didn’t get paid, Kanika admitted that singers don’t usually get paid for their songs. She added, "Singers don’t really get paid. Main saare contracts dikhaati hu, 101 rupees milte hain. (I can show you all the contracts. I was paid Rs 101). 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 clarified that while she hasn’t seen every singer’s contract, the reality remains that many artists are only paid as little as Rs 101.

How do singers in India earn?

During the conversation, Kapoor shed light on the true source of income for singers. She said that live shows are the only way for them to make money. "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)."

About Kanika Kapoor

Kanika rose to fame with her chartbuster debut song Baby Doll from the film Ragini MMS 2 (2014). The song that features Sunny Leone became an overnight sensation and established her as one of Bollywood’s most sought-after voices. Following the success of the track, Kanika went on to sing several hit tracks including Lovely (Happy New Year), Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan (Roy), Desi Look (Ek Paheli Leela), and Beat Pe Booty (A Flying Jatt).

 

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

kanika kapoor Bollywood singer bollywood bollywood news Entertainment Entertainment News

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK