09 September,2026 06:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Neha Kakkar and Sunidhi Chauhan (Pictures via Instagram)
Singer Neha Kakkar has found herself at the centre of a social media debate after her recent comments on singing reality shows were perceived as a dig at fellow singer Sunidhi Chauhan. Neha defended the format and rejected claims that such shows are scripted, but her remarks have not gone down well with several netizens.
During the launch of I-POPSTAR Volume 2, Neha was asked about the declining popularity of singing reality shows and Sunidhi's criticism of the format. Responding to the question, Neha said, "The fame declined because I stopped doing it. The TRPs were at their highest as long as I was doing it."
She then appeared to take a swipe at Sunidhi while explaining why she disagreed with the criticism surrounding reality television. Neha said, "Sorry, but I would like to say, ‘Angoor naa mile toh angoor khatte hain' log aisa bolte hain toh waisa hi hai. Angoor jisko nahi milte usko khatte hi lagte hain."
The singer went on to insist that the shows are not scripted. "Yeh show bilkul scripted nahi hai. People's lives are never scripted," she said.
Neha's remarks quickly sparked reactions online, with several social media users calling them disrespectful and questioning her comments about Sunidhi. Some users also compared the singers' vocal abilities, while others criticised Neha for allegedly taking a personal swipe at a senior singer.
The controversy stems from Sunidhi's earlier comments about her experience with singing reality shows. In a conversation with Shekhar Suman, Sunidhi explained that she eventually chose to step away from the format because she felt uncomfortable with certain practices, including the use of Auto-Tune and the way performances were presented.
Sunidhi had also discussed the subject during a 2024 conversation with Raj Shamani. She recalled how the early seasons of Indian Idol felt different from reality television's current format. According to her, editing and manipulation gradually became more prominent, with contestants sometimes being presented in ways that influenced viewers' perceptions.
She also recalled being asked by showmakers to promote a particular contestant regardless of their performance, describing the experience as shocking and disturbing.
Neha and Sunidhi have both been associated with popular singing reality shows, making their differing views particularly noteworthy. While Neha continues to defend the format, Sunidhi has been vocal about why she chose to distance herself from it.
The latest exchange has once again raised questions about how much of singing reality television is spontaneous and how much is shaped through scripting, editing and production choices.
