Playback singer and Indian Idol Season 1 winner Abhijeet Sawant has raised serious concerns about the economic realities faced by singers in the Indian film industry. In a recent interview, Sawant revealed that many playback singers continue to struggle financially despite contributing significantly to blockbuster films, largely due to the absence of royalties and a culture that discourages questioning unfair compensation.
Speaking on Pentarise Studios’ YouTube channel, Sawant compared the Indian music ecosystem with international markets, pointing out that musicians abroad receive lifelong royalty income, while Indian singers often survive on one-time payments. He explained that the industry is structured to ensure singers never become bigger than films or actors, limiting both their earnings and creative independence.
Sawant also highlighted a culture of fear and compliance, where singers accept low fees to avoid losing opportunities. According to him, many artistes prioritise visibility over fair pay, believing a popular song can sustain their careers for years—even if it offers no long-term financial security.
These remarks come shortly after Arijit Singh announced his decision to step away from accepting new playback singing projects. Arijit cited creative fatigue, lack of inspiration, and a desire to explore independent music as key reasons. He also expressed a wish to encourage new voices in the industry while continuing to honour existing commitments.
Together, these statements have reignited a larger debate around exploitation, royalty rights, and the sustainability of careers for playback singers in Bollywood. Industry observers believe the conversation could push stakeholders toward rethinking compensation models and recognising singers as long-term creative partners rather than replaceable contributors.
