Playback singer Divya Kumar has revealed that he was originally set to sing the track ‘Tainu Ki Pata’ for the web series The Bastards of Bollywood but was later replaced by Diljit Dosanjh—and turned down a substantial financial offer meant to compensate him for the change.
In a recent interview with Digital Commentary, Kumar shared details of the unexpected turn of events involving Shah Rukh Khan’s production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, and Aryan Khan’s directorial debut.
“I had received a great opportunity from Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. It was for Aryan Khan’s The Bastards of Bollywood,” Kumar explained. “I had originally sung ‘Tainu Ki Pata’, but later they replaced it with Diljit Dosanjh’s voice.”
What happened next surprised many in the industry. “They offered me an insane amount of money to compensate, but I refused to take it. I rejected the money because it was Shah Rukh Khan’s company. I had tears in my eyes when I was sitting in his office,” the singer recalled.
Kumar’s decision was driven by deep personal gratitude toward Shah Rukh Khan, whom he credits as a major source of inspiration throughout his career. “It was SRK who made me. I was inspired by him,” he said.
The singer revealed how Khan’s own story of perseverance had sustained him during difficult times. “Every time I was rejected from a show or competition, he said he would go outside Mannat and cry his heart out every time he faced a rejection in life. He gave me the strength to move forward.”
The Bastards of Bollywood marks the directorial and co-writing debut of Aryan Khan and is produced by his mother, Gauri Khan, through Red Chillies Entertainment. While the released version of ‘Tainu Ki Pata’ features Diljit Dosanjh’s vocals, Kumar’s original recording remains unreleased.
Kumar’s decision to refuse compensation has sparked conversation about the complexities of credit, replacement, and professional relationships in the music industry. His stance suggests that for some artists, emotional and professional loyalty can outweigh financial considerations—particularly when tied to figures who have shaped their careers and aspirations.
The incident also highlights the often unseen negotiations and changes that occur in film and series production, where casting decisions—even for playback singers—can shift based on various creative and commercial factors.
