Kanika Kapoor controversies: From Rs 101 pay cheque claim to COVID scandal and personal battles
Singer Kanika Kapoor’s journey has been full of highs and controversies — from shocking claims on singers’ pay to COVID backlash and personal struggles.
Kanika Kapoor says singers get paid only ₹101 Kanika Kapoor shocked fans when she revealed that playback singers in Bollywood are barely paid. Despite delivering chartbusters like Baby Doll and Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan, she claimed that singers often receive as little as ₹101 for a song. According to her, the real money comes from live shows and brand endorsements, not playback singing. Her statement sparked debates about how singers, who contribute massively to the success of films, are undervalued compared to actors. Many artists backed her claim, calling it the “bitter truth” of the industry and highlighting the exploitation of singers in Bollywood.
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First celebrity to get contacted by coronavirus In March 2020, Kanika Kapoor became the first Bollywood celebrity to test positive for coronavirus. She had returned from London and attended social gatherings in Lucknow, reportedly unaware of her condition. The news created massive headlines, as COVID-19 was spreading rapidly in India at that time. She faced public outrage for being careless about health protocols, with many accusing her of endangering others. Kanika was admitted to the hospital and spent weeks battling the virus. Later, she clarified that she had followed travel guidelines but was unfairly singled out, as many others had also tested positive around the same time.
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Kanika Kapoor denied hosting a bash After Kanika tested positive for COVID-19, reports suggested she had irresponsibly hosted a lavish party in Lucknow. Social media erupted with criticism, calling her reckless. However, Kanika clarified in an interview with Bombay Times that she never hosted any bash. Instead, she attended a small birthday gathering, where many politicians, including Vasundhara Raje and Dushyant Singh, were also present. She maintained that she was only a guest, not the organizer, and had provided the names of attendees to health officials. Despite her clarification, the controversy stained her public image during the early days of the pandemic.
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Kanika Kapoor married at the age of 18 and moved to London At just 18, Kanika Kapoor’s marriage was arranged with NRI doctor Raj Chandok, after which she moved to London. Despite her passion for music, she shifted focus to family life and became a mother of three—two daughters, Aayana and Samara, and a son, Yuvraaj. Her early marriage meant putting her musical dreams on hold. While she lived a comfortable life abroad, Kanika often expressed that she felt restricted from pursuing her ambitions. Her story reflects the challenges many women face when personal commitments clash with career aspirations, especially in conservative families and arranged marriages.
Kanika Kapoor was strictly told not to sing by her in-laws Kanika Kapoor’s musical journey was not an easy one. After marriage, her in-laws strictly forbade her from singing, considering it unsuitable. In an interview, Kanika shared that she struck a deal with her husband, promising not to pursue music professionally, but only as a personal passion. This limitation deeply affected her, as music was always her dream. Despite restrictions, she kept practicing privately and nurtured her talent silently. Her struggle highlights the challenges many women artists face when family expectations clash with personal ambitions. Eventually, Kanika broke free and made a successful comeback in Bollywood years later.
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Kanika Kapoor divorce and becoming suicidal Kanika Kapoor’s marriage with Raj Chandok eventually turned sour, leading to divorce in 2012. Reports suggested infidelity was the main reason, as she allegedly caught her husband cheating. The separation was emotionally devastating, and Kanika admitted going through suicidal thoughts during that phase. As a mother of three, she had to balance her children’s future while rebuilding her own life. Despite being from a conservative family, she gathered courage and walked out of the toxic relationship. The divorce turned out to be a turning point in her life, as it pushed her to restart her music career with determination.
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Kanika Kapoor married for the second time at the age of 43 In May 2022, Kanika Kapoor tied the knot again, this time with NRI businessman Gautam Hathiramani. The two had known each other for 15 years and shared a strong friendship before taking the leap. The wedding took place in London, attended by close family and friends, with her children actively participating in the ceremonies. For Kanika, this marriage was a second chance at happiness after the hardships of her first one. Fans admired her courage to start fresh at 43, proving that love and companionship can be found at any stage in life.
