Bollywood is known for its glitz and glamour, but behind the scenes, many artists face serious challenges, particularly when it comes to earning money. Singer Divya Kumar, known for hits like Aaj Mera Ji Karda from Badlapur and Chanchal Mann from Shuddh Desi Romance, shared some shocking insights about the financial realities that singers encounter in the industry. In an exclusive conversation, he discussed how the pay structure is skewed, with singers often receiving very little, and why Bollywood can be a difficult place to survive as a musician.
The Financial Struggles of Bollywood Singers
Divya Kumar made it clear that while Bollywood may seem like a lucrative industry for actors and directors, the same doesn’t hold true for singers and musicians. He revealed that despite working in high-budget films worth Rs 500 crore or even Rs 1000 crore, singers often receive only a fraction of the pay. Major portions of the budget go towards actors and directors, while musicians and singers are the first to face cost-cutting.
According to Divya, “When cost-cutting happens, the first hit is taken by singers and musicians. Even well-known singers who demand fair pay are sometimes turned down. Producers simply say they can’t afford it and move on to someone else who will do it for less.”
Support from a Few Good People
Despite the overall grim situation, Divya acknowledged that there are still a few people in the industry who value quality and ensure that singers are paid well. “There are some good people in Bollywood who make sure you get your worth,” he added. “They do not compromise on quality and will choose the singer they want, even if it means paying a higher fee.”
Divya also pointed out that bargaining is common, and there’s always some negotiation involved in determining how much a singer will be paid. However, most of this information remains hidden, and it’s not publicly disclosed how much singers make for their work.
Big Brands Often Refuse to Pay Singers
The financial challenges are not limited to film projects. Divya also revealed that even big brands often refuse to pay singers for their contributions. Without naming names, he explained that there have been instances where large companies outright refused to compensate singers for their work.
“Singers may have a big name, but many still struggle to make a good living,” he said. “Some singers, despite their popularity, earn only Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for a project. It’s a harsh reality, especially when you compare it to the 90s when singers used to earn a lot more.”
Oversupply of Talent and Fewer Live Performances
One of the reasons for the financial difficulties faced by singers is the sheer number of artists available today. The industry is flooded with talent, which means producers and brands have more options. As a result, they can choose to pay less for singers or even replace them with someone willing to work for a lower fee.
Additionally, live performances used to be a significant source of income for singers, but with fewer opportunities for live shows, earning potential has decreased further. Singers who don’t perform live are at an even greater disadvantage.
Ad Films Pay More, But No Recognition
Divya Kumar also shared that the advertising industry is a much better option financially for singers compared to Bollywood. Ad films pay well, even for small jingles. “Ad films offer good money,” he said. “Even for a 30-second jingle, you can earn a decent amount.”
However, there is a downside. Singers don’t receive much recognition for their work in ads, as the focus is primarily on the brand or product being advertised. Despite this lack of recognition, Divya considers the ad industry one of his favorite places to work because of the financial benefits.
Being Multitalented is Crucial
Given the challenges in Bollywood, Divya stressed the importance of being multitalented in order to survive. “You can’t rely solely on Bollywood for a stable income,” he said. “It’s essential to explore other options like singing in different languages or working on regional films.”
He also highlighted that singers with a strong brand, such as Arijit Singh or Shreya Ghoshal, do earn more. However, for most artists, it’s crucial to diversify and take on different types of projects, from film songs to regional music and ad jingles.
The Advantage of a Musical Family
Divya Kumar comes from a family deeply rooted in music. His father, Shivram Kumar, and his grandfather, Pandit Shivram, were both respected musicians in Bollywood. Divya acknowledged that being a part of a musical family made his entry into the industry easier, but he emphasized that talent is what sustains a career.
“Singing is a skill-based profession,” he said. “Being from a musical family might open doors, but if you don’t have talent, you won’t last.”
Divya’s family history includes collaborations with legendary composers like RD Burman and Himesh Reshammiya, and his grandfather worked on films with the iconic filmmaker V. Shantaram. This legacy has played a role in shaping Divya’s understanding of the music industry, but he knows that success ultimately depends on hard work and talent.
