Abhijeet Bhattacharya backs live singing after minister's criticism of performer
The singer promised to always perform live, even if his voice is strained, following a recent controversy involving a minister and a Punjabi singer.
Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya has spoken against lip-syncing at live performances, referring to a recent incident where a minister called out a singer for not performing live, according to the Times of India.
Speaking at the Chhattisgarh Rajyotsava 2026, Bhattacharya did not name Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi but addressed the controversy involving a minister who spoke the truth on stage. Bhattacharya said that while the minister became a villain to many, the incident reflects something that happens on stages everywhere.
Bhattacharya promised the audience that he would never cheat them by simply moving his lips in the name of singing. He stated that regardless of whether he sings badly, gets tired, or sings off-key, he will always sing live as a mark of respect for the audience's time and money.
The comments follow an incident last month in Uttarakhand where Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal stopped Daler Mehndi mid-performance. The minister questioned the singer's performance, stating he looked disoriented and could not speak properly.
Subodh Uniyal told ANI that Daler Mehndi had been paid Rs 35 lakh to perform at the event. While Mika Singh and other celebrities criticised the minister for disrespecting the singer, the minister refused to apologise.
Mika Singh noted that Daler Mehndi was unwell during the performance.