Singer Sonu Nigam on 27 August publicly denied authoring a viral post attributed to him on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the controversy over actor Kriti Sanon's Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement. Nigam shared a screenshot of the disputed post on his official Instagram account, categorically stating it did not originate from him.

What Sonu Nigam Said

In his Instagram caption, Nigam wrote: 'This is not me and This has never been me.' The singer has previously clarified on multiple occasions that he does not maintain an account on X, making the attribution particularly misleading. A media report had circulated the post as if it reflected Nigam's personal views on the controversy.

The post in question — shared from an X account bearing the name Sonu Nigam — read: 'The controversy is in no way about what a woman wears... the problem lies in the hypocrisy and the tactics of influencing people on Hindu festivals through their traditions. Because it's not as if Kriti Sanon wore something like this for the first time and it sparked a controversy.' Nigam's fans were quick to point out in the comments that the account belongs to an entirely different individual who shares the same name.

Singer Prajakta Shukre Calls Out Media and Platform

Singer Prajakta Shukre responded to Nigam's clarification with a pointed comment directed at both X and the media. She wrote: 'For years, Sonu ji has clearly stated that he is not on Twitter/X and that this account is not his. Yet the account continues to use his name and share personal opinions as though they are coming from him. This isn't about whether one agrees with those opinions or not. It is about identity and accountability. X's own rules prohibit deceptive impersonation. Why is this still allowed to continue? Why has it not been taken down?'

Shukre also questioned media verification standards, adding: 'How can you publish statements and opinions attributed to a legend like Sonu Nigam without first verifying? When the artist himself has repeatedly clarified that he is not on Twitter/X, shouldn't that be the first thing a responsible media outlet checks before giving an impersonator a platform? A fake account may post anything it wants, but the media choosing to amplify it under a legend's name.. not done!! Journalism begins with verification.'

The Kriti Sanon Raksha Bandhan Ad Controversy

The episode is rooted in the backlash over a jewellery brand's Raksha Bandhan campaign featuring Kriti Sanon. A section of social media users criticised the actor's choice of outfit — a bralette-style blouse with a cape and draped skirt — as inappropriate for an advertisement centred on the festival.

Sanon responded directly to the criticism, writing: 'The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have... Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear?? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman's respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes!! Culture and Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!'

A Broader Issue of Celebrity Impersonation Online

The incident highlights a recurring problem on social media platforms — fake accounts using celebrity names to circulate opinions that are then picked up and amplified by media outlets without verification. This is not the first time a public figure's name has been used to lend credibility to a contested post. With X's verification framework in flux, such impersonation cases have become harder for both users and journalists to detect. How the platform responds — if at all — will be closely watched.