A viral video of veteran playback singer Udit Narayan kissing a female fan on the lips during a live performance has sparked internet criticism.
Social media users have now discovered older videos of the singer acting similarly with well-known performers Shreya Ghoshal and Alka Yagnik at a number of public gatherings after the outcry.
Udit Narayan, a legendary playback singer, has responded to the recent controversy over a video that went viral and showed him kissing female fans during a live performance.
Social media users’ reactions to the video were divided, with many denouncing the artist for his behaviour. In his strong defence of himself,
Narayan has claimed that his actions were “pure expressions of love and appreciation” for his supporters.
Viral Video Sparks Debate
The footage shows Udit Narayan performing the hit song “Tip Tip Barsa Paani” while interacting with fans who approached him for selfies.
As he leans in to take pictures, he is seen kissing some of the female fans on the cheek. The most controversial moment, however, comes when a female fan moves in for a selfie, and Narayan unexpectedly turns his head, kissing her on the lips. This particular moment led to an online uproar, with social media users accusing him of crossing personal boundaries.
What Udit Narayan Reacted To
Udit Narayan dismissed the accusations in a recent interview, stating that his acts were “harmless and affectionate” rather than improper. “I said,” he said.
udit naryan kiss
“Why would I do something to bring shame to myself, my family, or my country? I have always shared a deep bond with my fans, and this was simply a moment of appreciation. People who see negativity in this are the ones with a problem.”
Concerning the Video’s Timing
The singer also expressed doubts about the timing of the video’s release, questioning why it surfaced months after the concert.
“Why did someone decide to disclose this at this time? This concert happened a long time ago in the US or Canada. I believe some people just don’t want to see others succeed.”
Resurfaced Past Incidents
During an Indian Idol show, Udit Narayan is seen kissing Alka Yagnik on the cheek in one of the leaked recordings.
Alka, visibly surprised, quickly pulled away. In another clip from a different event, she appeared displeased as Udit kissed her once again.
In another video, Udit can be seen kissing Shreya Ghoshal after she won the Best Female Singer award.
Udit gave her a hug and a cheek kiss as she walked up to the podium to accept the award from him and TV personality Malaika Arora. Shreya grinned briefly, but her first expression betrayed unease.
Internet Reaction
Udit Narayan’s activities have been deemed inappropriate by some social media users. On X (previously Twitter), a user commented,
“Shreya obviously felt uneasy but laughed it off.” “This is disturbing,” read another comment criticising his actions. He was holding her arm in an entirely improper manner.
Some commenters also brought up the fact that he had similarly disregarded other artists, demonstrating that his actions were not just directed at female fans. “Alka looks displeased,” one tweet stated.
Udit, put an end to this harassing. This is sick. Someone another commented, “He has a wife at home, yet he and his son continue to behave in a disrespectful manner.”
In response, Udit Narayan says
Udit Narayan toned down the criticism in his response to the situation. In a statement to HT City, he said, “Fans are very passionate.
We are decent people, and such things happen in moments of excitement. Some fans shake hands, some kiss hands—it’s all part of the madness. People shouldn’t focus too much on it.
Overshadowed: A Celebrated Career?
Celebrated Bollywood vocalist Udit Narayan has collaborated with Alka Yagnik and Shreya Ghoshal on a number of popular songs, such as Bairi Piya, Raja Ko Rani Se, Haseeno Ko Aate Hain, and Jaane Kyon Log Pyar.
His legacy has been tarnished by this controversy, though, and many now doubt the value of upholding professional boundaries in the entertainment sector.
udit naryan kiss
Concluding remarks
Udit Narayan is unfazed by the criticism and maintains that his acts were motivated solely by love for his followers.
The singer wants to concentrate on his music rather than internet disputes, as he has a decades-long career and various significant honours, such as the Padma Bhushan and multiple Filmfare honours.