Playback singer Udit Narayan has found himself in the middle of a controversy after a video from one of his recent concerts went viral. The clip, which shows him exchanging kisses with female fans while performing Tip Tip Barsa Pani, has triggered a wave of criticism online. In one instance, the 69-year-old singer can be seen tilting his head and kissing a fan on the lips as she leans in to kiss his cheek. The video has sparked outrage, with many questioning the singer’s actions in a public setting.
Udit Narayan Faces Backlash on Social Media
As the video spread across social media, users voiced their opinions, with some calling the act inappropriate. One user wrote, “A singer of his stature should be super conscious of his deeds in public.” Others went as far as to speculate if the video was AI-generated, refusing to believe that the veteran singer would engage in such behavior. One comment read, “Tell me it’s AI, tell me it is! What a nightmare. Beyond the boundaries of disgust.”
Some fans, however, defended the singer, suggesting that the moment was taken out of context. They argued that his long-standing career and positive reputation should be considered before jumping to conclusions.
Udit Narayan Response on the Video
Responding to the controversy, Udit Narayan dismissed the backlash, calling it an overreaction. Speaking to hindustan times, he said,
Fans itne deewane hote hain na. Hum log aise nahi hain, hum decent log hain. Some people encourage this and show their love through this. Udaake kya karna hai ab iss cheez ko?”
He further explained that fan interactions at concerts can get intense, with people trying to shake hands, take selfies, or express admiration in different ways. According to him, such moments should not be blown out of proportion.
There are so many people in the crowd, and we have bodyguards present too. But fans think they are getting a chance to meet, so someone extends their hands for a handshake, some kiss the hands… yeh sab deewangi hoti hai. Uspe itna dhyaan nahi dena chahiye.
Narayan Claims It’s a Campaign to Tarnish His Family’s Image
Narayan also suggested that the controversy might be an attempt to tarnish his family’s image. He specifically mentioned his son, singer and TV host Aditya Narayan, saying,
My family’s image is such that everyone wants (a controversy to happen). Aditya chup chaap rehta hai, controversy mein aata nahi hai. Many must feel that. There is madness when I am singing on stage, fans love me, I think let them be happy. Otherwise iss type ke log hum hain hi nahi. Humein bhi unko khush karna hota hai.
The singer defended himself by stating that he has been in the industry for over four decades and has never been involved in such scandals.
I have been in Bollywood for 46 years now, my image hasn’t been such (that I forcefully kiss fans). In fact, I fold my hands when I see the love my fans shower on me, while on stage, I bow down, thinking phir aaj ka yeh waqt laut ke aaye na aaye.
Public Reaction on Viral Videos
While many have criticized the incident, others argue that the video does not provide enough context to judge the singer’s intentions. Some believe that the viral moment is simply a reflection of fan enthusiasm rather than anything inappropriate.
Despite the controversy, Udit Narayan remains a celebrated figure in the music industry, with a career spanning multiple languages and generations. Having won four National Film Awards and delivered hit songs in films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Lagaan, Devdas, and Veer-Zaara, his contributions to Bollywood music are undeniable.
Indian playback singer #UditNarayan kisses female fans during live performance, video viral pic.twitter.com/llvZFyQZAy
— Hindupedia.in (@The_Hindupedia) February 1, 2025
