While actors and leading stars continue to enjoy fame, wealth, and constant attention, many behind-the-scenes artists in the entertainment world remain overlooked and underpaid. One such voice highlighting this imbalance is playback singer Krishna Beura, whose vocals powered chart-topping songs in major Hindi films. Despite lending his voice to iconic tracks that shaped Bollywood soundtracks, he has revealed that singers often receive shockingly low compensation and, in some cases, no payment at all.
Krishna Beura has spoken candidly about the absence of a standardized payment system for playback singers in the Hindi film industry. In a chat with Hindi Rush, he revealed how, even after contributing to massively successful songs, he was paid a nominal sum that barely reflected the popularity or commercial success of his work. He disclosed that for several widely loved tracks, he received only a few thousand rupees, while for others, he was never compensated despite completing recordings for major film productions.
He emphasized that singers are frequently called to studios, required to invest time, energy, and skill, yet are not guaranteed even a basic minimum fee. Beura believes that just as technicians and daily-wage workers have fixed pay standards, singers too deserve assured remuneration for their professional contributions. He highlighted how deductions such as taxes further reduce already minimal payments, leaving artists with little to show for their efforts.
Reflecting on his long journey in the film industry, Beura stated that across more than two decades of playback singing, his total earnings from film songs alone would struggle to cross a modest figure. He pointed out that while independent producers tend to honor payments, the mainstream film industry often avoids compensating singers fairly. The common justification, he explained, is that singers are expected to make money through live performances and stage shows rather than studio recordings.
Beura also shed light on a troubling practice within the music industry, where singers who ask for fair compensation risk being replaced. According to him, questioning payment terms can lead to fewer opportunities, as music composers and large production houses prefer artists who remain silent about money. He compared this treatment to how leading actors are never subjected to arbitrary fee cuts, highlighting the power imbalance between singers and top-tier film stars.
He further stated that substantial earnings from playback singing are largely limited to a small group of elite singers. These established names command massive fees, sometimes running into crores for a single song. Producers and composers, he explained, believe that featuring a well-known voice helps sell music rights more easily, making lesser-known singers financially dispensable.
Beura concluded by noting that payment in Bollywood is driven entirely by demand and market value. While some singers earn moderate sums, others command astronomical fees purely because of their brand power. Until demand shifts or fair regulations are introduced, he believes the disparity between star singers and struggling playback artists will continue to widen.
Krishna Beura has spoken candidly about the absence of a standardized payment system for playback singers in the Hindi film industry. In a chat with Hindi Rush, he revealed how, even after contributing to massively successful songs, he was paid a nominal sum that barely reflected the popularity or commercial success of his work. He disclosed that for several widely loved tracks, he received only a few thousand rupees, while for others, he was never compensated despite completing recordings for major film productions.
He emphasized that singers are frequently called to studios, required to invest time, energy, and skill, yet are not guaranteed even a basic minimum fee. Beura believes that just as technicians and daily-wage workers have fixed pay standards, singers too deserve assured remuneration for their professional contributions. He highlighted how deductions such as taxes further reduce already minimal payments, leaving artists with little to show for their efforts.
Reflecting on his long journey in the film industry, Beura stated that across more than two decades of playback singing, his total earnings from film songs alone would struggle to cross a modest figure. He pointed out that while independent producers tend to honor payments, the mainstream film industry often avoids compensating singers fairly. The common justification, he explained, is that singers are expected to make money through live performances and stage shows rather than studio recordings.
Beura also shed light on a troubling practice within the music industry, where singers who ask for fair compensation risk being replaced. According to him, questioning payment terms can lead to fewer opportunities, as music composers and large production houses prefer artists who remain silent about money. He compared this treatment to how leading actors are never subjected to arbitrary fee cuts, highlighting the power imbalance between singers and top-tier film stars.
He further stated that substantial earnings from playback singing are largely limited to a small group of elite singers. These established names command massive fees, sometimes running into crores for a single song. Producers and composers, he explained, believe that featuring a well-known voice helps sell music rights more easily, making lesser-known singers financially dispensable.
Beura concluded by noting that payment in Bollywood is driven entirely by demand and market value. While some singers earn moderate sums, others command astronomical fees purely because of their brand power. Until demand shifts or fair regulations are introduced, he believes the disparity between star singers and struggling playback artists will continue to widen.
