Singers Neha and Tony Kakkar are facing a social media firestorm following the release of their latest single, Candy Shop. Netizens have slammed the track as “vulgar” and “cringe,” accusing the siblings of a failed attempt to mimic K-pop aesthetics.
The “K-Pop Queen” Controversy
Released on December 15, 2025, Candy Shop was intended to be a high-energy pop anthem. Instead, it has become a magnet for criticism regarding its artistic direction.
- The Aesthetics: Viewers were quick to notice the vibrant, glossy visuals and bold styling, which many felt was a blatant—and poorly executed—imitation of Korean pop culture. One user remarked, “Neha Kakkar thinks she’s a cute Korean queen, but it’s just not landing.”
- The Choreography: The dance moves have been labeled “suggestive” and “cheap” by a large section of the audience, with critics arguing the steps prioritize shock value over actual talent.
- The Lyrics: Written by Tony Kakkar, the lyrics have drawn comparisons to viral “meme-songs.” One viral comment noted, “Tony Kakkar songs are about saying one word 100 times in two minutes. It’s becoming unbearable.”
“The New Dhinchak Pooja?”
The backlash reached a peak on X (formerly Twitter), where long-time fans expressed disappointment at the singer’s current trajectory. Many compared the quality of Candy Shop to the viral, tongue-in-cheek style of Dhinchak Pooja, suggesting that Neha is “lowering her dignity and standards” as an established artist.
“She used to rule the charts 7–8 years ago. Now, it feels like she’s just chasing trends without any depth,” wrote one frustrated listener.
A Year of Turmoil for Neha
This controversy adds to what has already been a difficult year for the Dilbar singer. Earlier in 2025, Neha made headlines during her Melbourne concert, where she was booed for allegedly arriving three hours late.
- The Breakdown: A video of Neha crying on stage while fans shouted “Wapas jaao hotel mein” (Go back to your hotel) went viral in March.
- The Defense: Neha later hit back at the organizers, claiming they “ran away” with her money and mistreated her band, forcing her to perform for free to avoid letting down the waiting fans.