I charge what I deserve: Mika Singh

Says Mika Singh, who has sung the maximum number of hit songs in 2011
Believe it or faint: Mika Singh has given the maximum hits of 2011, including songs like Jugni (Tanu Weds Manu), Pyar do pyar lo (Thank You), Ishq na kariya (Pyar Ka Punchnama), Altu jalal tu (F.A.L.T.U), Dhinka chika (Ready), Desi beats (Bodyguard), Sajda (Mausam), Subah hone na de (Desi Boyz), Gadi morangey (Dharti, a Punjabi film) and Paglu (Paglu, a Bengali film).
Not much was expected from the Punjabi munda when he began his career as a singer. Says Mika, “People used to say ki mehnat ka phal meeta hota hai. Par itna meetha... yeh mujhe pata nahin tha,” he laughs.
Mika adds that he has made an identity for himself without having sung for A-listers like Shah Rukh Khan or Aamir Khan, or working with AR Rahman. “Usually, a singer gains recognition when he sings for topnotch stars or music directors. His voice begins to be associated with a particular hero. Except for Salman and Shahid, I have not sung for any star. And despite the odds, I have succeeded in making a place for myself.”
Needless to say, the hits have gotten Mika in heavy demand. There are offers galore for live concerts and the buzz has it that he gets paid a neat Rs. 20 lacs per concert. “I charge what I deserve,” he says nonchalantly. “Family audiences love my songs and I’m even asked to sing at weddings. As the adage goes — you can love me or hate me but you certainly can’t ignore me!” He continues that he has many more hit songs apart from the ones listed, and says, “I just went about doing my work. I never expected to give consecutive chart busters.”