Ila Arun backs Alka Yagnik amid social media speculation over her health, urges fans not to doubt her singing ability
Mumbai, June 26
Singer Ila Arun has come out in support of veteran singer Alka Yagnik after a video of the Padma Bhushan awardee using a wheelchair went viral on social media, leading some netizens to question whether she would be able to sing again.
Alka Yagnik was honoured with the Padma Bhushan on Tuesday, June 23, and received the award from President Droupadi Murmu during the second investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
A day later, the singer shared an update on Instagram, revealing that she has been quietly battling sensorineural hearing loss.
After seeing comments on social media about Yagnik's health, Ila Arun shared a post on Instagram, asking people not to doubt the singer's abilities. She wrote, "To those doubting Alka Yagnik ji, I've been seeing comments that she 'cannot sing anymore' after being honoured with the Padma Bhushan.
This is disheartening. For any artist: singer, painter, actor, being told you can't do what you love is deeply painful. Art lives in the soul, not just the voice, the hand, or the stage."
Arun also praised Yagnik's contribution to Indian music and said she believes the singer will return stronger. She wrote, "Alka ji has given India decades of magic. The whole country is proud of her Padma Bhushan, and rightly so. Let's not forget what she's given us. Miracles happen. Strength returns. And voices find their way back. I've had the joy of singing many songs with her, and I'm looking forward to singing with her again."
Ila Arun and Alka Yagnik have worked together on several popular songs from films, including 'Karan Arjun' (1995), 'Amaanat' (1994), 'Naajayaz' (1995), and 'Bandish' (1996). One of their most famous songs together is 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai from Khal Nayak (1993).
Her post came after a video showing Alka Yagnik being assisted in a wheelchair after the Padma Bhushan ceremony left many fans worried. The 60-year-old singer later cleared the air through an Instagram post, saying she is recovering well and had only used a wheelchair because she felt tired after a long day of events.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Alka Yagnik gave us so many iconic songs - 'Ek Do Teen', 'Choli Ke Peeche', 'Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Dil Se'. Even if she never sings again, she's already given us a lifetime of music. But knowing her dedication, I'm sure she'll bounce back stronger. Stay blessed, Alka Ji!
This is what's wrong with social media these days - a video comes out and suddenly everyone becomes a doctor and a critic. She just received the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, and people are questioning her? Have some shame. Ila Arun's words are classy and needed.
It's heartwarming to see artists supporting each other. Ila Arun's message is so beautiful - 'Art lives in the soul, not just the voice.' That line really touched me. Alka Yagnik has given us 90s kids so many memories. Let's send her love and good wishes instead of negativity. 🌸
While I agree with Ila Arun's sentiment, I think some of the concern from fans is understandable. Seeing someone on a wheelchair after a prestigious ceremony can be worrying. But the way some people directly said she 'can't sing anymore' is just wrong. Alka Ji has handled this with grace by explaining her situation. Wishing her a speedy recovery.
As someone who grew up listening to Alka Yagnik's songs, this breaks my heart. But I'm also inspired by her strength. Sensorineural hearing loss is no joke, and she's still out there receiving awards with a smile. Ila Arun is absolutely right - we should support her, not doubt her. Looking forward to hearing her
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