Laqshay Kapoor Talks About His Insecurity, Financial Woes & Bollywood Remixes – Exclusive

Singer Laxhay Kapoor Laqshay Kapoor is known for his solo tracks and albums as well as his stint as a playback singer in several Bollywood films. Kapoor has lent his voice to films like Varun Dhawan-Janhvi Kapoor's Bawaal, Bhumi Pednekar-Vicky Kaushal's Govinda Mera Naam and others. His most recent release was for Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi's recently released film, the song Ranjhana from Mr & Mrs Mahis. In an exclusive interaction with Zoom TV, Laqshay Kapoor opens up about finding recognition in the industry, financial crisis, nepotism, insecurity, remixes in Bollywood and much more.

Excerpts from the conversation:

You have been involved in many projects recently. How do you see your success?

I don't think I've succeeded yet. It's a process and I like it. My goal is to keep giving the best of myself. There's no small or big project. It totally depends on the song. I just feel very responsible now.

You have a talent for dharma. How is your collaboration with Karan Johar?

It’s a blessing to work with a man as great as him. I’ve always been a big fan of Dharma. I’ve gotten the best advice from them because they have the best sense of music. They’re real and authentic. They’ve given us songs that we’ve lived for years.

How was your journey in the industry? What kinds of challenges did you face?

Luckily, my journey has been smooth sailing. I've been lucky enough to be around the right people. They've always made everything easy for me. In the music industry, opportunities only come when you're not really doing what you're supposed to be doing. If I don't sing well, I won't get a job, no matter how well I connect.

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

I give all my credit to Karan Johar sir. He is the one who found me and brought me to Mumbai. He is the one who got me dubbed the first few songs of my career. He introduced me to the right people and got me through the challenges in the right way. During the Covid-19 lockdown, one of my videos reached him and he loved my voice. So his team contacted me. I also became his very good friend later. It is his sense of humour that I love the most.

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

There has to be someone who cares and that's why these remixes work. It's very subjective, but I think remixes aren't going to help singers. Once a singer is associated with remixes, they get a different kind of star. Remixes should be done for fun, not taken seriously as a career. Singers are always recognized for their originals.

Name a singer you would really like to work with.

I really wanted to work with Ms. Shreya Ghoshal and we sang a song together. I am also working with Ms. Sunidhi Chauhan. I am already working with the best and those we admire.

What do you think are the problems in the music industry? Why do we see so few great singers like Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Alka Yagnik or Sunidi Chauhan singing?

I think it is a good thing for the industry. Nayi awaaz ayegi jab purani backseat legi. Earlier, it was impossible for a budding singer to get noticed. Established singers would perform for 30-40 years. They would keep singing. Now, it is a good time for musicians because people want new voices. I have this opportunity too and I feel lucky. We have great new talent now, so what is wrong?

Is the work of musicians reduced given that there are hardly any songs in films these days?

I think it doesn't matter if Bollywood has more or less music because everything is independent now. 50% of the music consumed is not Bollywood anymore. There are no restrictions in independent music, jo likhna hai likho, so it's great. The music just has to be good. Having said that, you can't take songs out of Bollywood films. We are known for it and we have grown up with it.

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

I don't agree with that. Some songs are really good and they go viral. The only problem is that there is too much music coming out and the consumption is less. Hum agar gaane logo ke paas rahne hi nahin denge, to vo yaad kaise rakhenge? Today's music is better but it's just too much.

An actor you would like to sing for?

Definitely Ranbir Kapoor. He has a freshness in his face that will suit my voice. But actually, I want to sing for everyone in the industry. Rajkummar Rao would be great. I have a great playback voice, so I will be able to play on a lot of actors, thankfully. I hope to see more faces on my voice.

Abhijeet Bhattacharya had earlier criticised those who sing at weddings, while Neha Kakkar had said that no job is big or small. What do you think?

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 blatant honesty. We cannot do concerts in India because we are not equipped for it. That culture does not exist here. Only people like Diljit Dosanjh and Arijit Singh can organise concerts here. No one else can sell 10,000 tickets in India.

In this scenario, weddings and private shows become the only source of income for a singer to become rich. Even actors perform at such events even today. Everyone has to earn money, one has to support oneself somehow. What is wrong with getting paid to sing behind the microphone? I am sure Abhijeet Bhattacharya also earned a lot of money by singing at weddings.

Have you ever felt insecure in your career?

Another word for an artist is insecurity. If insecurity sets in, then we can strive to become better and learn something new. Every time I listen to a new Arijit Singh classic, I get anxious thinking that I have to do the same. I want to be as good as him. Nowadays, singers have also started hitting the gym. They all want to be better versions of themselves. It is extremely healthy to improve yourself with insecurity. Don’t let it get in your way.

Have you ever faced financial problems?

I had earned some money from my many businesses but I would advise all aspiring singers not to make music their sole source of income. You can make it your hobby till it becomes a serious business for you. This industry is not about talent but other factors like hard work, patience and financial support. You need the bare minimum to survive in Mumbai. It is better to have a day job. It is not reasonable to survive on music alone. Despite having hit songs, a good number of followers on Instagram and great contacts, I could not earn money for a long time. It was only in December 2023 that I started earning money from music. That is just how it is, so there is no point in having unrealistic expectations.

Have you ever encountered nepotism?

Nepotism is just overrated. You can't buy an audience, you have to have a really good voice to get projects. Maybe once or twice a year you lose projects, but not every time, because music needs talent.