12 July,2026 02:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vishal Dadlani and Jasleen Royal (Pics/X)
Singer-composer Vishal Dadlani has publicly apologised to Jasleen Royal over his remarks about her performance during Coldplay's India concert, putting an end to a controversy that sparked widespread debate last year. The emotional moment unfolded during a recent episode of Indian Idol, where Jasleen appeared as a guest, and the two shared a heartfelt hug after clearing the air.
A video from the shoot, shared by Jasleen's manager on social media, captured Vishal addressing the issue in front of the audience. He admitted that his earlier comments had gone too far and expressed regret for the way he had spoken about the singer.
Referring to the controversy, Vishal said, "Maine kuch zyada bol diya ek masle mein aur mujhe bolna nahin chahiye tha. I truly admire Jasleen's compositions⦠I want to publicly apologise to you. It must be done." He added that India has very few female composers and stressed that discouraging talented artistes was never his intention.
Continuing his apology, Vishal said he has always appreciated Jasleen's songwriting and clarified that his criticism was never meant as a personal attack. "It was never my intention to diss you as an artiste⦠I genuinely want to apologise," he said.
Jasleen, visibly emotional after hearing the apology, admitted that Vishal's comments had deeply hurt her because she had always looked up to him as a mentor. "I always considered you as a mentor⦠I see you as a mentor and a friend, so it hurt me. But it's okay. We have our own journeys. That's really big of you," she responded before embracing him on stage. Fellow judge Badshah described the reconciliation as "a beautiful moment."
The controversy dates back to January 2025, when Jasleen opened for British rock band Coldplay during its India tour. Her performance drew criticism from a section of concertgoers, and Vishal had posted a strongly worded Instagram Story describing the act as "embarrassing" and questioning the industry's choice of performer for such a high-profile stage. The remarks drew mixed reactions, with many supporting honest criticism while others felt the comments were unnecessarily harsh.
With his public apology now on record, the two musicians appear to have moved past the controversy, ending the chapter with a warm embrace and mutual respect.
