A human resources executive who found herself at the centre of a viral internet storm after being caught on Coldplay's 'Kiss Cam' with her company's CEO during the band's Mumbai concert has finally spoken out. Esha Tiwari, an HR professional, shared her side of the story, explaining the personal significance behind the very public moment that captivated social media.
The Viral Moment That Captured the Internet
The incident unfolded on Friday, November 19, 2023, during British rock band Coldplay's electrifying performance at Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium. As part of their concert ritual, the band's camera panned the audience for their famous 'Kiss Cam' segment. The spotlight landed on Esha Tiwari and Siddharth Sharma, the CEO of The Souled Store, the popular apparel brand where Tiwari works.
In footage that quickly spread across platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), the duo was seen sharing a quick kiss as the crowd cheered. The clip was initially shared by Sharma himself on his Instagram with a playful caption. However, the internet's curiosity was piqued, leading to widespread speculation about their relationship. Many assumed they were a couple, while others questioned the professional dynamics at play.
Esha Tiwari's Personal Revelation
Breaking her silence, Esha Tiwari clarified the context in a heartfelt note. She revealed that Siddharth Sharma is not just her CEO but also her long-term partner and the father of her child. She expressed that the viral moment, while unexpected, was a beautiful public celebration of their private journey together.
"We've built a life, a family, and a company together," Tiwari indicated, emphasizing that their personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined but built on mutual respect. She addressed the dual nature of their relationship, acknowledging that while they are life partners, they maintain a strictly professional decorum within the workplace. Her statement aimed to normalize the existence of successful personal partnerships within a professional framework, without letting one undermine the other.
Navigating Public Scrutiny and Professional Boundaries
The viral episode sparked a broader conversation about workplace relationships and public perception. Tiwari's decision to speak out highlights the challenges individuals face when their personal lives become public spectacle. As an HR professional herself, she is acutely aware of the policies and perceptions surrounding office relationships.
In her response, she subtly underscored that their relationship predates their professional hierarchy and is managed with transparency and maturity. The incident also put a spotlight on The Souled Store's company culture. The brand, known for its pop-culture-themed merchandise, has often projected a youthful and relatable image. The CEO's initial post and the employee's candid response suggest an informal and open environment, though Tiwari was careful to note that professionalism remains paramount during work hours.
The Coldplay concert in Mumbai, part of the band's 'Music of the Spheres' world tour, was always destined to make headlines. However, this unexpected human moment from the audience ended up creating one of the most enduring stories from the event. It serves as a modern tale of how a few seconds of concert footage can spiral into a national discussion on love, work, and the lines we draw between them.
Ultimately, Esha Tiwari's statement reframed the narrative from one of gossip to one of a shared human experience—a couple, who happen to be colleagues, celebrating their bond at a music concert, unaware that a camera would turn their private affection into a public talking point.