MUMBAI, February 2026 — The sudden announcement by Arijit Singh that he is stepping away from playback singing at the peak of his career has pulled back the curtain on a harsh reality: in a nation obsessed with Bollywood music, the voices behind the hits are often chronically underpaid and easily replaced.

The One-Time Fee Trap

Despite songs generating massive numbers on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, the revenue rarely trickles down to the vocalist. Unless a singer has the clout to negotiate a complex contract, they are typically paid a one-time fee rather than receiving long-term royalties.

Industry insiders, including singer Amal Malik, have criticized this “inadequate monetary compensation.” For many, the “glamorous” life is a myth; while established stars make a fortune from live events, newer singers often go without a stable income for years.

The “Newbie” Replacement Cycle

The situation is even grimmer for those starting their careers. It is common for newcomers to record for months without receiving a single rupee. In many cases, a producer may have a newbie record a track, only to replace their voice with a “bigger name” at the last minute, leaving the original singer with nothing but a wasted recording session.

A Culture of “Free” Work

This power imbalance is fueled by a desperate “greed” to be featured in a film. Many singers voluntarily forego payment just for the credit, which effectively destroys the bargaining power of the entire community.

• Reality Show Influx: The constant stream of talent from reality shows and social media makes it easy for labels to swap one voice for another.
• Disposable Voices: If a singer asks for fair pay, there are a hundred others ready to work for free.

Structural Exploitation and Copyright Law

Under Indian copyright law, the film producer is the primary owner of the music. Because singers and lyricists are engaged as “commissioned work,” they have no legal claim to back-end revenues unless specifically negotiated.

Labels like T-Series and Sony Music have seen soundtrack acquisition costs spike 5–8 times since the pandemic. To recoup these massive investments, they often play it safe, favoring established names or exploitative contracts over artistic fairness.

The Cost to the Listener

This economic squeeze doesn’t just hurt singers; it affects the music itself. For the listener, this translates to a mainstream music scene that feels increasingly repetitive. When the industry values “clout” and “cost-cutting” over vocal artistry, the soulful variety of Indian cinema is the ultimate casualty.

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Bottom Line

The era of the “superstar playback singer” is under threat. Not because of a lack of talent, but because the business model is designed to drain the artist while labels keep the change. If even Arijit Singh is calling it quits, the future for the next generation of Indian voices looks increasingly silent.