Sunidhi Chauhan reveals not getting paid for many movies in Bollywood; says, “Even today they don’t give me”

Sunidhi Chauhan, one of the most sought-after and highest-paid singers in the Indian music industry, recently revealed some unsettling truths about her career during an appearance on Raj Shamani’s podcast. Despite her success, Chauhan disclosed that she hasn’t been compensated for some of her best work.

Sunidhi Chauhan not getting paid for many of her songs in Bollywood

Shamani mentioned a notorious practice in the industry where several singers are made to sing scratches of the same song, but only the chosen version gets paid, leaving others uncompensated for their efforts. He asked, “So kya Bollywood mein paise nahi milte?” Sunidhi responded that not getting paid is a common phenomenon.

However, she noted that popular singers have the leverage to demand their payment. “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 be blamed,” she explained. Speaking about her personal experiences, Sunidhi said, “I haven’t got money for many movies, even today they don’t give me. 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. You don’t want to hurt anybody’s ego because everyone does not think like you. They might also not understand how you feel.”

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The conversation then shifted to Sonu Nigam’s infamous comments about Bollywood mafias and their control over the industry. The Chhaliya singer acknowledged the presence of such lobbying, saying, “It’s something you cannot avoid. You do your work, and if you want to get involved, do it to fix things.” She emphasised that not getting recognition or payment doesn’t make one a bad artist.

Chauhan’s candid revelations shed light on the darker side of the Bollywood music industry, highlighting issues of unpaid work and industry politics, even for top-tier artists like herself.

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