Kailash Kher Critiques Audience Demands for On-Demand Singing

Kailash Kher, a celebrated Indian singer, has recently voiced his strong disapproval of audience demands for on-demand performances. At an awards event in Delhi, he criticized the practice of asking artists to sing on cue, comparing it to expecting a sports legend to perform on command. Kher's remarks have sparked a debate online, with some supporting his stance while others disagree. Known for his candidness, he has previously addressed unruly audience behavior at concerts, emphasizing the need for respect towards artists. His passionate plea highlights the importance of treating musicians with dignity and understanding their artistry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 26, 2026, 12:28 IST

Kailash Kher's Stand Against On-Demand Performances

Kailash Kher, a prominent figure in the Indian music scene, is renowned for his hit songs like Teri Deewani, Saiyyan, Allah Ke Bande, and Bam Lahiri. Despite his popularity and the large audiences he attracts globally, Kher has expressed his disdain for the expectation to perform on cue. During a recent awards ceremony in Delhi, he openly criticized the event host for requesting him to sing "two lines" for the audience. He questioned whether anyone would ask cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar to hit a six on demand, emphasizing that such requests are inappropriate.

Kher articulated his feelings in a viral video, stating, "Yahi main badalna chahta hoon, yahi mere mann main lalak lagi hui, yahi badalna hai. Ki gayak ko, sangeet ko aise naa mana jaaye ki sir do line aa gaa dijiye, mood bana dijiye. Yeh bahut galat hai. Yeh request hi mat kijiye" (This is exactly what I want to change—this is something I deeply feel about. A singer and music should not be treated in a way where you just ask them to sing two lines and set the mood. That is very wrong. Please don’t make such requests).

He further questioned, "Aap kya Sachin Tendulkar ko bolenge ki ek zara chakka lagake dikha dijiye?" (Would you ask Sachin Tendulkar to hit a six for you?). Kher argued that no one would demand an army soldier to fire a shot on command, and he urged the public to refrain from treating artists in such a manner. He believes that artists should not be reduced to mere entertainers or clowns, as they are seekers connected to their inner selves.

This stance has sparked mixed reactions online. While some users supported Kher's viewpoint, deeming the trend disrespectful to artists, others disagreed. Kher is known for his candidness, even during performances. Last year, at a concert in Gwalior, he admonished the audience for their unruly behavior, urging them to maintain decorum. He warned that if anyone touched his instruments, he would halt the show, stating, "Humne aapki prashansa ki aur aap itna jaanwargiri kar rahe hain. Janwargiri mat kariye please... Agar koi humare instruments ya equipment ke paas aaya, toh hum show band kar denge" (I'm praising you all and you are behaving like animals. Please don't behave like animals. If anyone comes anywhere near our instruments, equipment, we'll stop the show).