21 October,2015 11:10 AM IST | | Gaurav Dubey
What's a festival without some singing and dancing? This is how much money popular and not-so-popular Bollywood singers rake in to make Navratri revellers dance to their tunes
What's a festival without some singing and dancing? Garba enthuiasts across the country are swinging to traditional dandiya tunes as well as Bollywood dance numbers. This is also the time when celebrities rake in big money with event organisers competing with each other to get popular celebrities to perform live in various parts of the country.
"Organisers begin pursuing singers and actors at least two months prior to Navratri. Most artistes are invited on the eighth or ninth day of the festival. Only a handful of them show interest to perform in Mumbai since the they are requested to do it for free," adds an industry source.
As the Navratri fervour reaches a crescendo, hitlist brings you a list of singers and their approximate fee.
Prajakta Shukre
Rs 3-4 lakh per night
Lowdown: After participating in the first season of 'Indian Idol' (2004), Prajakta got a playback singing opportunity in Bollywood film Shaadi No.1 and has lent her voice to a few other filmi tracks, including 'Happy Ending' from 'Tees Maar Khan' (2010).
Where: Indore (one night)
Himesh Reshammiya
Rs 30-35 lakh per night
Lowdown: His nasal voice notwithstanding, most of Himesh's Bollywood compositions have been a hit with music lovers. Much like last year, his 'Photocopy Pan Chalse' number from 'Jai Ho' (2014) is a rage this Navratri too.
Where: Kolkata and Asansol (one night in each city)
Kumar Sanu
Rs 15 lakh per night
Lowdown: The popular '90s singer is highly sought-after in his hometown, Kolkata during festivals and private parties.
Where: Kolkata (two nights)
Bhoomi Trivedi
Rs 40 lakh for nine nights (includes fee of entire band)
Lowdown: The 'Ram-Leela' singer is quite active in Gujarati film industry, making her a go-to celeb for garba events.
Where: Mumbai
Mika Singh
Rs 30-35lakh per night
Lowdown: Pick any of his songs and you are sure to get grooving. Mika is the man for all seasons, not just Navratri.
Where: Delhi (one night)
Rahul Vaidya
Rs 15-20 lakh per night
Lowdown: A reality show find, Rahul is in demand during the festive season given the ease with which he croons traditional Gujarati songs.
Where: Delhi and Ranchi (one night in each city)
Neha Kakkar
Rs 15lakh per night
Lowdown: The 'London Thumakda' singer is known to set the set on fire with her husky voice and sensuous moves.
Where: Delhi (one night)
Mauli Dave
Rs 30lakh for nine nights (includes fee of entire band)
Lowdown: The 'Maa Ka Phone Aaya' co-singer is often called "Indian Shakira" for giving desi songs a Western twist.
Where: Mumbai
Udit Narayan
Rs 10lakh per night
Lowdown: He may no longer be besieged by Bollywood, but remains one of the top rated performers for special occasions.
Where: Kolkata (two nights)
Ankit Tiwari
Rs 10-15 lakh per night
Lowdown: He recently performed with his band and his playlist included 'Sun Raha Hai Na Tu' ('Aashiqui 2') and 'Galliyan' ('Ek Villain').
Where: Mumbai (one night)
All figures are approximate