Udit Narayan BREAKS SILENCE on kissing controversy; here's what he says

Udit Narayan defends viral concert video, says fan craze leads to such moments, while netizens call it inappropriate and shocking.

Published: Saturday,Feb 01, 2025 17:57 PM GMT-07:00

Anam Kazi

Legendary singer Udit Narayan has found himself in the middle of a controversy after a video went viral showing him kissing female fans during a live concert. The incident took place while he was performing Tip Tip Barsa Paani, and fans had gathered near the stage to take selfies with him. The video shows the singer kissing them on the lips after clicking the pictures, leading to massive backlash online. Reacting to the controversy, Udit Narayan spoke to Hindustan Times and made a justification of his action.

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? 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.
- Udit Narayan

The singer also suggested that there might be a hidden agenda behind the controversy. He stated, “My family’s image is such that everyone wants (a controversy to happen). Aditya (Narayan, son and singer) 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."

Talking about the viral video, Narayan clarified that the moment was not planned. “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," he added.

Despite his clarification, the video did not sit well with many online users. Some called it “beyond the boundaries of disgust,” while others felt it ruined his legacy. Many expressed disbelief, hoping the clip was AI-generated.