Singing reality shows have often faced criticism over the use of sob stories to manipulate viewers’ emotions, auto-tuning performances and allegations of favouritism towards certain contestants. Neha Kakkar, who has judged several shows and is currently judging I-Popstar Vol 2, defends post-production enhancements.

She says, “Name any singer, and I can tell you that their songs use auto-tune. Almost every singer’s track is processed with it. Think of it as a filter, much like the ones we use on photographs before posting them on social media. There is nothing wrong with enhancing something to make it look or sound better. Contestants sing live, and their performances are enhanced during post-production. That does not mean we are misleading anyone.”

Another criticism Neha frequently faces is that she gets emotional at the drop of a hat, with some questioning whether her tears over contestants’ personal struggles are genuine.

She says, “People on social media who say these things are just rage-baiting to generate views. Unka kaam chal raha hai, toh unko bolne do mere khilaaf. I have gone through a lot in life. Main kahaan se kahaan aayi hoon, aur jab main logon ka pain dekhti hoon, toh main feel kar paati hoon. Maybe others haven’t faced the same challenges or are not as emotionally affected by what people go through. Mujhe toh har emotion touch karta hai.”

Neha and her brother, singer Tony Kakkar have also faced persistent trolling over their music, particularly their upbeat pop tracks, which are often mocked for repetitive hooks and lyrics that prioritise catchy phrases over depth.

Neha says, “We also do songs like Mile Ho Tum Humko, O Humsafar and Khuda Bhi Jab Tumhe, but people don’t talk about these songs because there is nothing to criticize. They are well-written and sung. The discussion is usually around chatpate gaane because these songs are fun to talk about. People actually go crazy and paaglon ki tarah naachte hain on the songs they troll. Aur hamein mazey karaane mein bahut mazaa aata hai (smiles). We are easy targets, so we are trolled, lekin hamein trolls se koi problem nahi hoti.”

While Neha is prepared for criticism of her music, speculation about her personal life is harder to dismiss.

She says, “Mostly, I am prepared. Jab iss tarah ka pop music karte hain, hum gaaliyaan expect karte hain. But I feel terrible when they drag my personal life into it, when they spread pregnancy rumours or say, ‘Neha aur Rohanpreet ka divorce ho gaya hai’. I feel bad about such baseless speculation, but unfortunately, it is part and parcel of being famous. People like to gossip about celebrities.”

Putting the rumours about her marriage to rest, Neha describes her relationship with Rohanpreet Singh as one based on friendship.

She says, “Rohu and I are very happy together. This year, we are completing seven years. Hum isko shaadi maante hi nahi hain, hum isko friendship maante hain aur friendship mein bachche nahi hote (laughs!). Toh hamaara woh pyaar hai. Hum sirf masti karte hain.”