His colorful outfits are loud, reminiscent of George Clinton or Prince. His style of music is energetic and catchy, similar to Paul Oakenfold or Janet Jackson. Now, his rates are through the roof, similar to Indian legends Asha Bhosle or Lata Mangeshkar.

The self-proclaimed King of Bhangra -– itself a high-energy, dance-till-you-drop music genre –- Daler Mehndi is now asking for more than $10,000 per film song for any Bollywood director who seeks his talents.

Even in a culture boasting colorful movies that double as musicals, many question whether Daler is worthy of such earning potential.

Obviously, he thinks it is warranted.

“I have a 90% hit ratio where film songs are concerned,” Daler said in response to his fee increase. “Irrespective of the film becoming a hit or not, most of my songs have become extremely popular with the masses. I don’t want to sing for any film that comes my way. I would love to work with only those big filmmakers who can afford my price.

“But looking at the kind of offers I am getting nowadays, I don’t think my big price is being a hurdle at all!”

One music director told the Indian media that Bollywood film producers are enjoying increased revenues and larger budgets, even without his songs on the soundtrack.

“With big corporate giants funding mega budget films, now every one related to the film worth his talent wants to take advantage and extract his pound of flesh,” the music director anonymously said. “Daler is no exception.”

In comparison, everyday Bollywood singers are earning just under $1,000 per film song, while veteran Sonu Nigam –- who does not have the same draw as Daler -– earns more than $4,000 per film song.

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