Neha Bhasin is not new to trolling or negativity. In fact, almost every time she puts up a picture on social media, the singer faces backlash of some sort. Most recently, a section of social media users called her a “pornstar”. But, Bhasin is unfazed.

“Kisi ke bolne se main woh (porn star) nahin ho jaungi. I will remain Neha Bhasin. Also, I have a lot more respect for porn stars than for people who call me that,” says the Parwah singer, adding, “Porn stars work in the adult film industry out in the open. They don’t have any façade and are not hiding behind anything. These hypocrites of the society (trolls) watch porn stars behind closed doors and then pass judgments about them.”

Bhasin, who has crooned Bollywood hits such as Kuchh Khaas (Fashion; 2008), Dhunki (Mere Brother Ki Dulhan; 2011) and Jag Ghoomeya (Sultan; 2016), among others, says dressing differently is not a conscious decision — she just goes with what she feels looks good on her.

“The negativity stems from people who aren’t able to accept an Indian woman who is very confident, someone who revels in her own confidence, body and sexuality. I am not trying to make a difference or be different. I just love the way I dress up,” she adds.

The 40-year-old goes on to slam those who use words like “porn star” as an abuse. “It is not fair. Today, this power has been given to the masses to come on the internet and just say what they feel like. The same people will not have the guts to come [up] to you when they meet you. When people want to insult a woman, they tend to use words like porn star, character dheela hai, buddhi... I am bored of such words, they better come up with something original,” she wraps up, while urging for stricter cyber laws to be put in place to curb trolling.