Music reality shows have long been a hotbed for lively performances and occasional drama. Yet, rarely does the drama leave the stage and ignite a heated discussion off-camera. This is precisely what happened on Superstar Singer 3 when guest judge Abhijeet Bhattacharya criticized singers who perform at weddings, sparking a passionate response from resident judge Neha Kakkar.
In an episode with a wedding theme, Abhijeet Bhattacharya and Anuradha Padwal were invited as special guests, and here is when the dispute started. Abhijeet took an uncompromising stance against singers who accept payment to perform at weddings while the other performers gave their performances. In a seemingly condescending tone, he remarked, “Koi bhi paisa diya or shaadi mein gaane lage, usme aukaat kam ho jaati hai. Meri aukaat hai, main bol deta hu, main nahi gaunga. Duniya ki koi taakat tumhe khareed nahi sakti.” Translation: “If someone pays you to sing at a wedding, it diminishes your stature. I have the dignity to say no. No amount of money in the world can buy me.”
Neha Kakkar, a well-known singer and judge on the show, disagreed vehemently. She fired back, emphasizing that no work is inherently beneath anyone. She said, “Kaam koi chhota ya bada nahi hota hai. Agar aapko shaadi mein gaana padhe, aap please gaao. Agar aapko respect mil rahi hai, aapko koi pyaar se bula raha hai toh please jao. Shaadi mein gaana koi galat baat nahi hoti hai.” Translation: “No work is too small or too big. If you have to sing at a wedding, it’s fine. If someone invites you with respect and love, then go ahead. There’s nothing wrong with singing at weddings.”
The argument intensified as Abhijeet persisted in stating that entertainers need to uphold their honour by steering clear of wedding engagements. But Neha Kakkar stood her position, saying that artists should not be evaluated by the venues in which they play and that they have the right to make a living. The audience took issue with Abhijeet’s comments, viewing them as elitist and contemptuous of the effort that goes into any performance, whether it be at a concert or a wedding.
But that’s not where the plot ends. Singer-songwriter Millind Gaba shared an older video of Abhijeet playing at a private event on social media in an attempt to expose the hypocrisy of the musician. Abhijeet was seen singing at a school ceremony in the video, proving that even he, who says he doesn’t accept private engagements, has done so. The sharp remark in Millind’s caption read, “No Dada Dadi, Chacha Chachi can tell or fix anybody’s aukaat.” He then posted a second video of Abhijeet singing at a private function with the remark, “Wo Kya Tha…” Hey, Jinke Ghar Sheeshe Ke Hon.. Is Your Basement Ready for a Makeover? Ah, that’s it, #WhyDadaWhy.”
Fans and other performers rapidly joined in the argument, contributing to the controversy’s growth. Those who supported Neha Kakkar’s position included Salim Merchant, Manmeet Singh of Meet Bros, and Baba Sehgal. They both felt that doing wedding shows is a respectable method to make money and a great way to engage people. The statement “I think a performing musician should just respect the stage and perform; it doesn’t matter who is in the audience” by Salim Merchant perfectly captures the essence of the situation.
The argument has resonated because of how hotly this discussion has been discussed on social media. What does the music industry consider to be “dignity”? Is it wrong for performers to perform at private events, or is every performance a chance to show off their skills and make people happy? These are still relevant topics in the music industry and beyond.
It’s important to keep in mind that every artist’s path is different as the conversation progresses. The love and dedication that artists have for their work is what matters most, whether they are performing at concerts, weddings, or school events. What is your position on this matter, then? Do singers have to perform at weddings to be considered respectable, or should they stay away from them altogether?
