‘Once Arijit Singh spent hours in my office, didn't take a break or eat': Composer recalls ‘Aashiqui 2' singer's life pre-fame. A look at his jaw-dropping networth

Time of India

3 days ago

Today, the name Arijit Singh needs no introduction. Known for his mellifluous voice, the singing sensation's craze has spread to each corner of the country. Known for several chartbuster songs such as 'Tum Hi Ho,' 'Kesariya Tera,' 'Laal Ishq,' etc., Singh is known to charge a whopping Rs 2 crore per performance.In a heartfelt conversation with Lallantop, music composer Monty Sharma reflected on how far singer Arijit Singh has come—from sitting silently in a studio for long hours to commanding astronomical fees for his live performances.Sharma recalled the days when Arijit would quietly spend hours with him during recording sessions, entirely immersed in his work. Food and rest took a backseat as the aspiring artist honed his craft with relentless dedication. Fast forward to today, Arijit is one of the highest-paid singers in the country, with an individual stage performance costing as much as Rs 2 crore.'There was a time when Arijit (Singh) used to come sit next to me for hours without taking any break or eating food. In today's time, he charges Rs 2 crore per performance,' he said.Monty Sharma shed light on how the music industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Earlier, the reach of music was primarily limited to radios and television channels, and while audio rights for albums were still sold for significant sums, the audience's access was comparatively narrow. With the rapid emergence of digital platforms and the rise of social media, the ecosystem of music consumption has expanded far beyond conventional boundaries.Sharma emphasized that this digital boom has drastically increased revenue opportunities, particularly for audio companies. A song today can fetch prices that were once considered unrealistic. However, this enormous valuation doesn't necessarily translate into massive earnings for composers. A music director might earn a substantial sum—perhaps Rs 20 lakh per song—but in exchange, they often relinquish the majority of the rights to audio companies. The lion's share of ongoing profits ends up with these firms, primarily due to platforms like YouTube and Spotify, which generate massive streaming revenues.Despite their essential creative input, music composers continue to receive a smaller slice of the financial pie. According to Sharma, it's the singers—who are the recognizable voices behind the songs—who enjoy the most lucrative payouts. New-generation vocalists today can demand anywhere between ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore per assignment, reflecting their massive popularity and brand value.Another dimension contributing to this new era of earnings is the rise of reality television. Monty Sharma pointed out that platforms like talent shows have unlocked new streams of consistent income for artists. Recalling his own stint as a judge on Voice of India, he mentioned that he was once paid ₹7.5 lakh per day. Today, with no fixed ceiling on these fees, established singers and mentors in such shows can command even higher rates. These shows not only provide steady financial rewards but also serve as platforms to further increase an artist's visibility and fan base.As for Arijit Singh, his success story is not just confined to music charts. Singer Rahul Vaidya recently claimed in an interview with News 18 that Arijit now charges Rs 14 crore for a single two-hour concert. According to a report published by Mint, Arijit's total wealth is currently estimated at around Rs 414 crore. His assets include a posh Rs 8 crore residence in Navi Mumbai, along with a collection of luxury cars worth over Rs 3.4 crore, featuring elite brands such as Range Rover and Mercedes.Arijit's journey from a humble, dedicated singer in a recording studio to a multimillionaire and national icon underscores not just personal perseverance but also the seismic shifts in how the Indian music industry operates today.