Mumbai: Sunidhi Chauhan, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated vocalists, recently unveiled some unsettling truths about the music industry during an interview on Raj Shamani’s podcast. Despite her status as one of the highest-paid and most sought-after playback singers in India, Chauhan disclosed that she often went unpaid for some of her most memorable and lauded performances. The revelation has cast a spotlight on the darker side of the Bollywood industry, where unpaid work and lobbying are rampant, even for top-tier artists.
In the candid conversation, Chauhan discussed how unpaid work is a common phenomenon for vocalists in Bollywood. She revealed that despite delivering some of the industry’s most iconic performances, she has not always been compensated. “I haven’t got money for many movies; even today they don’t give me,” she said.
Raj Shamani, the podcast host, shed light on a distressing practice prevalent in Bollywood. Singers are often required to record multiple versions of a song, but only the chosen version gets paid. The others, despite their efforts and time, receive no compensation. When Shamani asked, “So kya Bollywood mein paise nahi milte?” (So, do you not get paid in Bollywood?), Chauhan affirmed that not getting paid is indeed a common occurrence. This practice not only exploits the artists but also devalues their hard work and talent.
She also highlighted that singers generally have the option to negotiate their payment terms. They can either request upfront payment or agree on a post-recording settlement. This mutual understanding allows both parties to navigate the financial aspects without assigning blame.
“For all singers in general, everyone has the choice of demanding the money before singing or taking it after singing, which makes it a common ground so that no one is to blame,” Chauhan elaborated. However, she also noted that this leverage is not always exercised, especially when it comes to helping others or maintaining professional relationships.
“They ask, and I choose not to take it because I feel for this song, I don’t need money. At some places, I would like to help, so I say my price and I sing the song,” she said. Chauhan emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding in such situations, stating, “You don’t want to hurt anybody’s ego because everyone does not think like you. They might also not understand how you feel.”
The discussion also touched upon the contentious topic of lobbying and politics within the industry. Referencing Sonu Nigam’s controversial remarks about Bollywood’s supposed mafia rule, Shamani inquired about the presence of lobbying. Nigam had infamously remarked, “Kuch hi log hain, kuch hi logo ko aage badhayenge?” (There are only a few people, and they will only promote a few others). Chauhan concurred with Nigam’s observation, acknowledging the existence of lobbying in various facets of the industry, including award ceremonies, music, films, and reality shows.
“It’s something you cannot avoid. You do your work, and if you want to get involved, do it to fix things,” Chauhan remarked. Her statement highlights the pervasive nature of industry politics, where meritocracy often takes a backseat to favoritism and lobbying. Despite these challenges, Chauhan urged artists to focus on their work and strive to bring about positive changes from within the system.
Chauhan’s revelations underscore the need for systematic changes in the Bollywood music industry. The practice of unpaid work not only undermines the artist’s contributions but also sets a dangerous precedent for future generations of singers. By sharing her experiences, Chauhan has opened up a dialogue about the need for fair compensation and recognition for all artists, regardless of their status.
While established singers like Chauhan have the leverage to negotiate their terms, emerging artists often find themselves at the mercy of these power dynamics. Chauhan’s advice to focus on one’s work and strive to bring about change is a beacon of hope for those navigating these challenges.
Sunidhi Chauhan’s candid interview with Raj Shamani serves as a stark reminder of the issues plaguing the Bollywood music industry. Her experiences of unpaid work and the prevalence of lobbying shed light on the systematic problems that need to be addressed. As one of industry’s leading voices, Chauhan’s call for empathy, understanding, and positive change resonates deeply.
