Udit Narayan’s Kissing Scandal Goes Viral: Singer Defends Himself

Udit Narayan Defends Himself Amid Viral Video Controversy, Aspires for Bharat Ratna Like His Idol Lata Mangeshkar

Veteran playback singer Udit Narayan has found himself at the center of a media storm after a video of him kissing a female fan went viral. As the video sparked backlash and criticism across social media, the singer responded with a confident and candid defense of his actions, asserting that his heart is “pure” and dismissing the controversy as a result of the public’s misinterpretation of his affectionate gesture. In a candid interview, he also shared his aspirations to receive the prestigious Bharat Ratna, in the same league as his idol, the legendary Lata Mangeshkar.

A Moment of Affection or a Scandal?

The controversy erupted when a video emerged showing Narayan performing the iconic song “Tip Tip Barsa Paani” at a live event. In the video, a female fan approaches the stage to take a selfie with him. After taking the photo, she kisses him on the cheek, prompting Narayan to respond with a kiss on her lips. The moment, which was captured and circulated online, quickly went viral, with viewers offering mixed reactions.

While some fans saw it as a moment of genuine affection, others were quick to criticize the veteran singer, accusing him of inappropriate behavior. The backlash was swift, with some social media users expressing shock and disappointment. One user commented, “Tell me it’s AI, tell me it is! What a nightmare.” Others pointed out the inappropriate nature of the kiss, especially given Narayan’s stature in the industry. “A singer of his caliber should be more aware of his public actions,” one critic wrote.

Udit Narayan Responds with Confidence

Unfazed by the viral video and the ensuing criticism, Narayan defended himself in an interview with Bollywood Hungama. The 69-year-old singer questioned, “Have I ever done anything to bring shame to myself, my family, or my country? Then why would I do something now, at this stage of my life, when I’ve achieved it all?” He went on to explain that the kiss was simply a display of the “deep, pure, and unbreakable bond” he shares with his fans, emphasizing that the gesture came from a place of love and respect.

Narayan’s response was clear—he was neither embarrassed nor regretful about the incident. “No, not at all! Why should I be? Do you hear any regret or sorrow in my voice? In fact, I am laughing as I talk to you,” he said with confidence. He also made it clear that the act was not “sleazy or secret,” and that he felt no shame in showing affection to his fans. He further expressed sympathy for those who might choose to interpret his actions negatively, saying, “If some people want to see something dirty in my act of pure affection, then I feel sorry for them.”

The Bharat Ratna Dream: Following in the Footsteps of Lata Mangeshkar

While the controversy over the viral video dominated headlines, Narayan also took the opportunity to share a long-standing personal ambition. The iconic singer expressed his desire to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, much like his idol, Lata Mangeshkar. “I am the recipient of several Filmfare Awards, National Awards, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan. But I aspire to get the Bharat Ratna, like Lataji. She is my idol,” Narayan revealed.

Narayan went on to reminisce about his deep connection with the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, sharing that she considered him her favorite co-singer. He noted that he had sung the most duets with Mangeshkar compared to any other artist of his generation. Asserting that his achievements are the result of blessings from Goddess Saraswati, the deity of music, Narayan credited his success to the divine and the unwavering support of his fans.

The Viral Video: More Than Just a Kiss

The controversy over the kissing video wasn’t limited to just one incident. In addition to the viral video, old clips of Narayan kissing fellow playback singers like Alka Yagnik and Shreya Ghoshal also resurfaced online. These clips had previously been shared during events like the popular Indian Idol show, where Narayan kissed Yagnik on the cheek, leaving her visibly startled. In another clip, Narayan kissed Yagnik at a different event, and she appeared somewhat uncomfortable. A similar situation occurred when he kissed Shreya Ghoshal on the cheek during an award ceremony.

While these clips were met with varying levels of discomfort from the singers involved, Narayan defended his actions, once again emphasizing that his behavior was not intended to be inappropriate. In the context of his relationship with his fans, he claimed that these gestures were merely expressions of gratitude and affection.

Social Media Backlash: A Divided Opinion

As the controversy gained traction on social media, it became clear that opinions were sharply divided. Many users expressed their disapproval, calling the behavior “disgusting” and “shameful.” One user claimed, “If this video is real, Udit Narayan’s entire legacy is destroyed.” Others, however, defended the singer, pointing out that his decades-long career as a respected artist should not be overshadowed by a single moment. Still, the incident raised concerns about the boundary between celebrity and public behavior, with many calling for more awareness among celebrities regarding their actions in public spaces.

A Legacy Beyond the Controversy

Udit Narayan’s career spans decades, and his contributions to Indian cinema are undeniably significant. With countless iconic songs from films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Rangeela, Dhadkan, Lagaan, and Veer-Zaara, Narayan has earned a place in the hearts of millions. He has sung in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and more, showcasing his versatility and widespread appeal.

In his illustrious career, Narayan has received multiple accolades, including four National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards, and the Padma Bhushan. Despite the controversy, it is clear that his legacy as one of the most respected playback singers in Indian cinema remains intact.

Moving Forward

As Udit Narayan continues to defend himself against the backlash and aspires for even greater recognition, it is clear that his passion for music and love for his fans remains unwavering. Whether or not his dream of receiving the Bharat Ratna comes to fruition, his place in Indian music history is firmly cemented, and his legacy continues to resonate across generations.

While the viral kissing video may have sparked a heated debate, it also highlights the challenges and scrutiny public figures face in the age of social media. Despite the criticism, Narayan has stayed true to his beliefs and remains unshaken in his pursuit of excellence, both as an artist and as a person.