# Shocking Pay Gap in Bollywood: "Chak De India" Singer Got Just ₹10,000 While A-Listers Charge ₹3 Crore Per Song! Imagine pouring your soul into one of Bollywood's most iconic tracks, only to pocket a fraction of what top stars earn today. That's the harsh reality Krishna Beura, the voice behind the emotional powerhouse **"Maula Mere Lele Meri Jaan"** from Shah Rukh Khan's *Chak De! India*, just revealed.[1] Released in 2007, *Chak De! India* became a cultural phenomenon, with Shah Rukh Khan inspiring a nation as the hockey coach. The soundtrack, composed by Salim-Sulaiman with lyrics by Jaideep Sahni, featured hits like the title track and this Sufi-infused gem sung by Krishna Beura and Salim Merchant. Interestingly, "Maula Mere" was originally crafted for Nagesh Kukunoor's film *Dor* but rejected—only to find its perfect home in the film's climactic emotional scenes, ready just a week before release.[3][7] The song's raw devotion, with lines like "Teeja tera rang tha main to, Jiya tere dhang se main to," struck a chord, racking up millions of views and winning awards, including New Musical Sensation for Krishna and Salim at the Stardust Awards.[2][7] But here's the gut punch: Krishna opened up about **pay disparity** in the industry. He received a mere **₹10,000** for his soul-stirring performance, while today's A-list singers demand up to **₹3 crore per song**. This stark contrast highlights how far behind lesser-known talents lag, even for timeless tracks that define eras. Krishna's revelation sparks a bigger conversation: Does talent alone guarantee fair pay in Bollywood's glittering world?[1]
Shah Rukh Khan in the iconic "Maula Mere" scene from Chak De! India (Image: Public domain promotional still)
Citations
1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90hNT7UYlZA
2.https://lyricsbrij.art.blog/2020/01/21/maula-mere-lele-meri-jaan-lyrics-shahrukh-khan-krishna/
3.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/did-you-know-salimsulaimans-maula-mere-from-chak-de-was-originally-crafted-for-nagesh-kukunoors-film/articleshow/107057227.cms
4.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-ZBTjVnWyY
5.https://www.last.fm/music/Krishna+&+Salim+Merchant/_/Maula+Mere+Lele+Meri+Jaan+(Chak+De+India)
6.https://gaana.com/lyrics/maula-mere-lele-meri-jaan
7.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chak_De!_India_(soundtrack)
8.https://open.spotify.com/track/0OWzDem8abfJvWpQcssjIE
9.
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