Popular Bollywood playback singer Neha Kakkar finds herself at the centre of a raging social media controversy following the release of her latest musical offering, 'Candy Shop'. The song, which features her brother and frequent collaborator Tony Kakkar, was released on 15 December but quickly drew sharp criticism from netizens who labelled it a 'cheap imitation' of global pop trends, particularly K-pop aesthetics and the style of supergroup BLACKPINK.
What Sparked the 'Candy Shop' Controversy?
The latest collaboration between the Kakkar siblings was intended as a vibrant pop number. However, shortly after its debut, 'Candy Shop' began trending online for all the wrong reasons. Viewers and music critics took to various platforms to express their disapproval, targeting the song's lyrics, choreography, and overall visual styling.
Many described the track as 'cringe' and 'vulgar', accusing it of being a forced and unsuccessful attempt to mimic international pop music formulas. A significant portion of the criticism focused on the perceived lack of creative originality, with several users pointing out specific similarities to the high-production, stylised visuals characteristic of K-pop music videos.
Social Media Erupts in Criticism
The comment sections on YouTube and other social media platforms were flooded with harsh and direct reactions. The feedback was overwhelmingly negative, questioning the artistic direction of the project.
One user commented, 'Cringe Neha Kakkar and Tony Kakkar song,' capturing the sentiment of many. Another criticised Tony Kakkar's repetitive lyrical style, saying, 'Tony Kakkar songs are all about repeating one word a hundred times. It's getting unbearable now.'
The comparisons to international acts were particularly scathing. 'Trying hard to act like a K-pop star. What's wrong with her?' wrote one user. Another added that the video felt like 'a poor attempt at K-pop aesthetics — bold on paper but embarrassingly executed.' Some were even more direct, calling the song a 'cheap copy of BLACKPINK' and accusing Neha of trying to emulate Hollywood stars like Taylor Swift and Katy Perry but ending up with a result that seemed 'forced and cringe.'
The backlash also led some to reflect on Neha Kakkar's musical evolution. A nostalgic post read, 'Hard to believe this is the same singer who ruled the charts 7–8 years ago,' highlighting a debate about her current relevance and artistic choices.
Neha Kakkar's Career Journey: From Bhajans to Bollywood
This controversy stands in contrast to Neha Kakkar's well-documented rise to fame. She began her career singing bhajans at religious events to support her family financially. Her big break came after participating in the second season of the reality show Indian Idol.
She subsequently became one of Bollywood's most sought-after playback singers, delivering massive hits like:
- Aankh Maarey
- Dilbar
- Hauli Hauli
- Morni Banke
Beyond singing, she is a familiar face on television as a judge on multiple music reality shows. Earlier this year, she made headlines when a video of her breaking down on stage during a concert in Melbourne went viral, following reported boos from the audience over alleged tardiness—an incident she later blamed on event organisers.
The intense reaction to 'Candy Shop' has reignited broader conversations within the Indian music industry about originality, the influence of global pop trends, and the fine line between drawing inspiration and outright imitation. As the debate continues online, it remains to be seen how the artist responds to this wave of criticism.
