Neha Kakkar Faces Online Backlash Over ‘Candy Shop’ Song, Accused of K-Pop Copy

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: Singer Neha Kakkar has come under heavy fire on social media following the release of her latest track, Candy Shop. The song, which features noticeable dance routines and bold lyrics, has triggered a wave of negative reactions from online users. The project marks another collaboration between Neha and her brother, music composer Tony Kakkar.

Neha Kakkar and Tony Kakkar are currently being trolled across multiple platforms, with many users accusing them of attempting to imitate K-pop performers without success. Several comments describe the choreography and presentation as “tacky” and “over-the-top,” while others question the creative direction of the song.

Backlash intensifies after release

Candy Shop was officially released on December 15 and is performed by both Tony and Neha Kakkar. While the track initially attracted attention for its energetic tempo and colorful visuals, the excitement quickly gave way to criticism as viewers began dissecting its lyrical content and dance sequences.

A section of listeners expressed discomfort with what they described as overly suggestive movements and a lack of originality. Some online users openly mocked the styling and concept, suggesting that the song borrowed heavily from international pop and K-pop aesthetics without capturing their essence.

One user commented sarcastically that Neha was trying to project a “Korean pop queen” image, while another described the song as an awkward and forced attempt to appear glamorous. Others targeted Tony Kakkar’s music style, claiming his compositions rely on repetitive lyrics and lack substance.

Several reactions went further, questioning Neha’s artistic choices and accusing her of abandoning her earlier musical identity. A few critics compared her recent work unfavorably with viral internet personalities, expressing disappointment given her past dominance on Indian music charts.

Some comments also took issue with the cultural messaging of the song, calling the dance steps inappropriate and alleging that such visuals undermine traditional values. One post argued that popularity should not be used as a defense for content that relies on shock appeal rather than musical depth.

Support from fans amid criticism

Despite the widespread backlash, Neha Kakkar has also received support from a segment of her fan base. Supporters applauded her willingness to experiment and praised her for stepping beyond her usual musical style. They argued that artists should be allowed creative freedom without being harshly judged for trying something different.

About Neha Kakkar

Neha Kakkar began her musical journey at a very young age, performing devotional songs at religious events to help support her family. She later gained national recognition after participating in Indian Idol Season 2, where she finished among the top contestants.

Over the years, she has delivered several chart-topping Hindi tracks, including Aankh Maarey, Dilbar, Hauli Hauli, and Morni Banke. Today, she is also a familiar face on television, serving as a judge on popular music reality shows.

Earlier this year, Neha was in the news after a video showing her emotional breakdown during a concert in Melbourne went viral. Reports claimed the incident occurred after she allegedly arrived late for the event, leading to dissatisfaction among attendees. Neha later denied the allegations and blamed the organisers, stating that the situation had been misrepresented.