Bollywood music industry has been rocked recently after superstar singer Arijit Singh announced his retirement from playback singing. His decision has sparked conversations about how singers are treated and paid in the film industry. Alongside this, former Indian Idol 1 winner Abhijeet Sawant shared his thoughts on why singers often face exploitation and struggle for fair compensation.
Arijit Singh Announces Retirement
On January 27, Arijit Singh took to social media to share a heartfelt message with his fans. He wrote that he would not be taking any new playback assignments in the future, calling it the end of a wonderful journey. Arijit thanked his fans for their love and support over the years, highlighting the emotional connection he has built with listeners across India.
His announcement came just after the release of Maatrubhumi, a song he recorded with Shreya Ghoshal for Salman Khan’s upcoming film Battle of Galwan. Many in the industry were surprised, as Arijit is still considered one of the most popular voices in Bollywood.
Abhijeet Sawant Speaks on Singer Exploitation
Following Arijit’s exit, Abhijeet Sawant shared his perspective on why playback singers often struggle despite their talent. Speaking on Pentarise Studios’ YouTube channel, he explained that singers are usually paid a fixed amount and do not receive royalties, even when their songs become huge hits.
He said, “People don’t want singers to become bigger than the film itself. That’s why they are paid a certain amount. Musicians still don’t receive royalties for film music. Even talented artists often don’t earn enough to sustain themselves.”
Abhijeet also noted that singers sometimes accept these conditions willingly because the opportunity to sing for a big movie or work with a popular producer is hard to refuse. “We accept whatever amount we get because if we don’t, someone else will. Singers get exploited a lot,” he added.
The Bigger Issue in Bollywood Music
Abhijeet’s statements highlight a systemic issue in Bollywood, where many singers do not get long-term financial security. While some legendary composers abroad earn royalties and secure lifelong income from their work, Indian playback singers often have to rely on new projects constantly.
This discussion also raises questions about how lesser-known artists manage their careers and finances in an industry that favors big stars and already established voices. Arijit Singh’s retirement has now brought these concerns into public discussion, urging the industry to reconsider how it values its musical talent.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
