Udit Narayan responds to controversy: My image isn’t one to forcefully kiss fans

KATHMANDU: Renowned Bollywood singer Udit Narayan Jha has landed in controversy following a viral video from his recent concert.

The video, widely shared on social media, shows Narayan kissing a female fan on the lips during his performance.

This has sparked criticism, with many calling out his actions.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Udit defended himself, saying, “Fans can be overly enthusiastic. We are not like that; we are civilized. Some people encourage such things as a way of expressing love. What’s the point in making a big issue out of it?”

He further explained, “There was a huge crowd, and we had security with us. Fans should get a chance to meet us. In such situations, some shake hands, while others express their excitement differently. It’s just craze; people shouldn’t take it too seriously.”

Addressing the controversy, he added, “My family has a clean image, but people always look for controversy. My son, Aditya, stays away from such matters. When I perform on stage, fans get emotional and excited. They love me, and I feel they should be happy. After all, we are not bad people; we must also make them happy.”

Emphasizing his long-standing career, Udit said, “I have been in Bollywood for 46 years, and my image is not that of someone who forcibly kisses fans.”

Details on Udit

Udit Narayan Jha, born on Dec 1, 1955, in Baisi, Supaul district, Bihar, India, is a renowned Indian playback singer celebrated for his contributions to Hindi cinema.

His musical journey began in the early 1980s, and he has since become a prominent figure in the Indian music industry.

Early Life and Education: Udit Narayan was born to Harekrishna Jha, a Nepalese national, and Bhuvaneshwari Jha, an Indian national. He completed his schooling at Jageshwar High School in Supaul, Bihar, and later pursued higher education at Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus of Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal.

His mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was a folk singer who encouraged his musical aspirations.

Career Highlights: Udit Narayan’s career took a significant turn with the 1988 film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, where his song “Papa Kehte Hain” became a massive hit, earning him his first Filmfare Award. Over the years, he has lent his voice to numerous songs across various Indian languages, including Hindi, Nepali, Bhojpuri, Kannada, Tamil, Bengali, and more. His versatility and melodious voice have made him a favorite among music directors and audiences alike.

Awards and Honors: Udit Narayan’s exceptional contributions to music have been recognized with several prestigious awards:

• Padma Shri (2009): The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to arts and culture.
• Padma Bhushan (2016): He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, further acknowledging his impact on the music industry.
• National Film Awards: He has won four National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer, underscoring his excellence in playback singing.
• Filmfare Awards: With five Filmfare Awards and twenty nominations, he is the only male singer in the history of the Filmfare Awards to have won in over three decades (the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s).

Personal Life: Udit Narayan has been married twice. His first marriage was to Ranjana Narayan Jha, who claimed to be his first wife in 2006, a claim he initially denied but later accepted, promising to provide for her maintenance. He later married Deepa Gahatraj in 1985, with whom he has a son, Aditya Narayan, who is also a playback singer.

Acting Career: In addition to his singing career, Udit Narayan has acted in and sung all the songs for the 1985 Nepali film Kusume Rumal, which became one of the highest-grossing Nepalese films of its time.

Recent Activities: In mid-May 2024, Udit Narayan appeared as a guest in Colors TV’s Mangal Lakshmi during the Sangeet ceremony of characters Kartik and Lakshmi.

Udit Narayan’s enduring legacy in the music industry is marked by his melodious voice, versatility, and numerous accolades, making him a cherished figure in Indian cinema and music.