Renowned singer Arijit Singh has voiced concerns over the Indian music industry’s payment culture, citing unclear deals and delayed or reduced fees that disadvantage artists. He emphasized the need for honesty and a clear system, advocating for fair compensation for all creative labor, whether their work is used or not. Singer Arijit Singh once spoke candidly about what he sees as a broken payment culture in the Indian music industry, saying unclear deals and delayed or reduced fees can hurt artists deeply. In a 2023 interview, he asserted that musicians often put in more effort than they receive in compensation. His remarks resurfaced after he announced he would not take on new playback singing assignments, bringing renewed focus to his long-standing concerns about fairness, security, and respect for creative labor.According to a Hindustan Times report, Singh made these comments during an episode of The Music Podcast, where he addressed filmmakers, producers, and production houses directly and urged them to pay artists what they promise.
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Arijit Singh on payments to artists in the music industry
Singh said the industry needs clarity and honesty when it comes to money. “Ya toh kaam karwao paesa do ya toh kaam mat karwao (Either get the work done and pay for it, or do not get the work done at all),” he said, explaining that artists should either be paid properly for their work or not be asked to do it. He added that many agreements remain verbal, which often leads to disappointment later.Singh explained how the process usually unfolds for an artist. “Usko phir bola jaata hai ki tumko itna paisa milega aur tum yeh kaam karo.” (Then he is told that he will get this much money and should do this work.) Woh bhi negotiate karke hota hai, usmein woh maan jaata hai (That also happens after negotiation, and the artist agrees to it),” Singh said. He noted that once work begins, artists often go beyond the agreed scope because they care deeply about their craft. “Maan k jab kaam karta hai toh bhool jaata hai ki usko kitna kaam karna hai uss paese k liye (After agreeing, when he starts working, he forgets how much work he is supposed to do for that amount),” he said. When the payment finally arrives, it is sometimes less than what was discussed. “So, you’re killing an artist,” Singh added.See More: After Arijit Singh’s shocking retirement announcement, Virat Kohli’s old praise for singer resurfaces: ‘I am probably one of the biggest fans of Arijit Singh’
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Singh also spoke about what disturbs him most about the music business. He said the industry needs a clear system that protects musicians and singers, similar to older session recording practices. “Ek system hona chahiye (There should be a system),” he said, explaining that artists should be paid for session work whether or not their version makes the final cut.Referring to earlier practices, Singh said, “Jo session recordings hota hai, aap scratch gao, final mein rahe ya na rahe, you get your payment (In session recordings, whether you sing a scratch version or your voice stays in the final track, you still get paid).” He described this as fair and professional. “Yeh bohut hi decent system hai, ki sablog apna kaam karenge aur payment mil jayega (This is a very decent system, where everyone does their work and gets paid),” he said.Also See: Arijit Singh’s directorial debut is set to star Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s daughter Shora? – ReportSingh added that the industry needs guidance so artists feel safe and respected. “Sabka credit hona chahiye, sabko payment milna chahiye (Everyone should get credit, everyone should get paid),” he said.Singh made his Hindi film debut in 2011 with ‘Phir Mohabbat’ from ‘Murder 2’ and went on to sing hits such as ‘Tum Hi Ho,’ ‘Channa Mereya,’ ‘Agar Tum Saath Ho,’ ‘Raabta,’ ‘Kesariya,’ and ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.’ His recent song, ‘Ghar Kab Aaoge,’ from ‘Border 2,’ also received widespread praise.