Veteran playback singer Udit Narayan broke his silence on the viral video controversy that showed him kissing a female fan on the lips, causing an online furor. In an interview after the video surfaced, the veteran singer rubbished all the allegations made against him, terming them as just a gesture of love and affection by his fans and not a scandalous act.
The video, which began circulating early on Saturday, has caused many to express disapproval. However, Narayan maintains that the kiss was a reflection of the deep, genuine bond he shares with his supporters. The acclaimed singer, who has received prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, questioned why he would engage in behavior that could tarnish his long-standing reputation.
When asked about the controversy, Narayan, who has been in the industry for over three decades, told ET, “Have I ever done anything to shame myself, my family, or my country?” He continued, “Then why would I do something now, after achieving so much in my career? People travel from all over the world to attend my concerts, and tickets sell out months in advance. The bond I have with my fans is pure, unbreakable, and deep. What you saw in that video was simply a manifestation of that love.”
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He also made it clear that he does not feel embarrassed or regretful about the incident. “Why should I be? Do you hear any regret in my voice? I am laughing as I talk to you. There’s nothing sleazy or secretive about it. It’s out in the public domain,” the singer further told the news outlet. He also added that those who interpret his actions negatively should reflect on their own mindset. “If some people want to see something dirty in an act of pure affection, then I feel sorry for them,” he added.
Several internet users were disturbed by the actions of the veteran singer, with one user reacting, “Tell me it’s AI, tell me it is! What a nightmare. Beyond the boundaries of disgust.” Another criticising him said, “A singer of his stature should be more mindful of his public actions.” “What the hell was that? And why did more women keep allowing it after the first attempt? The best part is people won’t classify this as serious groping because he is Udit. Sh*tty double standards of society,” one more user wrote.
Some even questioned the authenticity of the video, with one commenting, “Udit Narayan… no way… I hope this is AI. If not, it completely ruins his legacy… just shameful and disgusting.” Others noted that the crowd’s cheers only seemed to exacerbate the situation.
Narayan further said that he wants to thank those people who were criticizing him, saying, “I want to thank them because they’ve made me even more famous than I already was.” When asked about his illustrious career, where he himself had won several Filmfare awards, National awards, and high honors like the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, Narayan declared, “I want to get that Bharat Ratna, too, after hearing about my hero Lata Mangeshkar.”. “Do you know I was her favorite co-singer among my generation? I’ve sung the most duets with her,” he said proudly.
Narayan also hinted that the timing of the video’s resurfacing seemed suspicious. “Why did this video suddenly appear, months after the concert in either the US or Canada?” he questioned. He suggested that the release of the video might have been an attempt to damage his reputation, adding, “To those who are trying to bring me down, the harder you push, the higher I will rise.”
