Singer Kanika Kapoor Sparks Debate Over Rs 101 Pay

Money talk in the film industry is usually about heroes taking home crores, heroines signing big cheques, and directors demanding star-level pay. But when it comes to playback singers, the story takes a sharp turn. Singer Kanika Kapoor has now opened a debate that has left many surprised.

Kanika, who gave Bollywood some of its biggest chartbusters like Baby Doll and Chittiyan Kalaiyaan, revealed that even established singers struggle with unfair payments. Speaking in a recent chat, she said her pay for one contract was just ₹101. The shocking part was that the team that gave her this “payment” claimed they were doing her a favour. “It is not just me, even singers with star status are facing the same. You can only survive if you do live shows,” she said.

Her words have now brought a hidden truth into the open. While actors continue to mint crores per project, singers who give life to songs are often left unrecognised. Kanika explained how the industry does not provide any security. “If something happens to us, there is no pension, no fallback. Only as long as you can perform on stage, you can earn,” she added, reflecting the fragile reality behind the glamour.

Kanika’s journey itself is proof of how much she has given to Bollywood. From Baby Doll that turned into a nationwide anthem, to foot-tapping hits in films like Happy New Year and Ek Paheli Leela, she has been a voice behind celebrations. Yet, her story shows that fame does not always mean financial respect. The debate she sparked is now making fans and industry insiders question how the value of music is truly measured in Bollywood.