New Delhi, Feb. 27 -- Even as film songs clock millions of views and dominate streaming charts, many playback singers, especially those outside the top tier, say the financial reality behind the glamour remains precarious.

The recent announcement by singer Arijit Singh to quit playback, along with statements by Amaal Mallik on inadequate compensation, have once again spotlighted concerns around pay structures and sustainability in India's largely unorganised music industry.

At the heart of the issue is a mismatch: even as streaming grows and film music deals become bigger, the economics of playback singing remain skewed. Most singers are paid a one-time fee, while ownership and much of the long-term digital earnings stay with producers ...