Laqshay Kapoor talks about insecurity, financial problems, remixes in Bollywood – Exclusive

How did your journey in the industry go? What difficulties did you have to overcome?

Luckily, my path has been smooth. I’ve been lucky to have the right people. Thanks to them, it’s always been easy for me. In the music industry, opportunities don’t come until you really don’t deliver what you’re supposed to deliver. If I don’t sing well, I won’t get work, no matter who my connections are.

How were you discovered? Who do you owe your success to?

All my thanks go to Karan Johar sir. He was the one who found me and brought me to Bombay. He was the one who got me dubbing the first songs of my career. He made sure I met the right people and went through the hard work in the right way. During the Covid-19 lockdown, one of my videos reached him and he was amazed by my voice. So his team got in touch with me. Later, I became his very good friend too. What I love most is his sense of humor.

What do you think about remixes of old classics in Bollywood?

Someone out there has to be into it and that’s why these remixes work. It’s very subjective but I believe that recreations will not help singers. Once a singer is associated with recreations, they are put in a different spotlight. Remixes should be done for fun but not considered a serious career. Singers will always be recognized for originals.

Name a singer you would really like to work with.

I was keen to work with Shreya Ghoshal and we sang a song together. I am also working with Sunidhi Chauhan. I am already working with the best and those we have looked up to.

What do you think is the problem with the music industry? Why do we rarely hear great singers like Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Alka Yagnik and Sunidi Chauhan?

I think it’s good for the industry in a way. Nayi awaaz ayegi jab purani backseat legi. Earlier, it was impossible for an aspiring singer to make a name for himself. Established singers performed for 30-40 years. They just kept singing. Now is a good time for musicians because people want new voices. I am also being given this chance and I am happy. We have great new talent now, so what’s wrong with that?

Has the work for musicians decreased since there are hardly any songs in films anymore?

I feel it doesn’t matter if Bollywood has more or less music because now everything is independent. 50 per cent of the music consumed is not Bollywood anymore. There are no restrictions on independent music, jo likhna hai likho, so it’s great. The music just has to be good. That being said, you can’t remove songs from Bollywood films. We are known for it and we grew up with it.

Do you think music has lost its charm? Nowadays you can hardly sing 2-3 lines of a song, unlike the classics we used to have.

I disagree. Some songs are really good and go viral. The only problem is that there is too much music coming out and less consumption. How can you do that in recent years considering what you are doing? The music today is better, but there is just too much of it.

Is there an actor you would like to sing for?

Definitely Ranbir Kapoor. He has a freshness in his face that suits my voice. But really, I want to sing for anyone in the industry. Rajkummar Rao would be great. I have a great playback voice, so luckily it will go down well with a lot of actors. I hope to see more faces with my voice.

Abhijeet Bhattacharya had earlier criticised those who sing at weddings, while Neha Kakkar said there is no job too big or too small. What is your opinion?

Abhijeet Bhattacharya has also sung at many weddings. A singer needs a solid source of income. That is the only way to make money as a musician. I am sorry, but this is pure honesty. You cannot do concerts in India because we are not properly equipped. That culture does not exist here. Only people like Diljit Dosanjh and Arijit Singh can do concerts here. Nobody else can sell 10,000 tickets in India.

In this scenario, weddings and private performances are the only source of income for a singer who wants to get rich. Even actors perform at such events to this day. Everyone has to earn money, one has to make ends meet somehow. What’s wrong with getting paid for singing behind the mic? I am sure Abhijeet Bhattacharya too has earned a lot of money by singing at weddings.

Have you ever felt insecure in your career?

Another word for an artist is insecurity. Only when we feel insecure can we improve and learn something new. Whenever I listen to a new classic by Arijit Singh, I get nervous and think I have to do that too. I want to be as good as him. Nowadays singers also go to the gym. They all want to be better versions of themselves. It is extremely healthy if you improve despite insecurity. But don’t let it hinder you.

Have you ever had financial problems?

I have made some money through my many businesses but to all aspiring singers, I would advise not to make music your only source of income. You can make it your hobby until it becomes a serious business for you. This industry is not based on talent but on other factors like hard work, patience and financial security. You need the bare minimum to survive in Mumbai. It is better to have a day job. It is unreasonable to live only from music. Despite having huge hits, a good Instagram following and great contacts, I could not make money for a long time. It was only in December 2023 that I started making money from music. That’s the way it is, so there is no point in having unrealistic expectations.

Have you ever been confronted with nepotism?

Nepotism is simply overrated. You can’t buy an audience, you have to sing really well to get projects. You might lose projects once or twice a year, but not every time, because music needs talent.