Afsana Khan trolled for joining Kapil Sharma's Ganpati celebrations
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Punjabi singer Afsana Khan found herself at the centre of online controversy on 15 September after attending Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at the residence of comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath in Mumbai. A section of social media users criticised the singer — a Muslim — for participating in the Hindu festival, triggering a sharp online debate about religious identity and interfaith participation.
What Afsana Shared
The singer posted photographs from the gathering on social media, including an image of herself seated before a decorated idol of Lord Ganesha, alongside her husband — singer and music producer Saajz, whose real name is Sajan Sharma. The couple posed with Kapil Sharma and Ginni Chatrath.
In her caption, Afsana described celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi at 'Kapil Paji and Ginni Bhabhi's house,' calling the occasion full of 'lots of love, happiness and lots of fun.' She also mentioned visiting Mikka Singh's residence during the festivities.
The Trolling
While many followers responded warmly, a vocal section of users targeted Afsana over her faith. Comments on the post included 'Shame on you' and 'First she commits sin and then she meditates to God.' One commenter referenced Punjabi singer Babbu Mann, writing, 'Babbu Mann sang the truth. She left her religion for fame.'
The backlash was not isolated. Supporters pushed back, with one user urging others: 'Guys, don't troll her. Everyone makes mistakes. She doesn't do it anymore, so why keep dragging it? Just let it go for Sidhu Paaji.'
Not the First Time
This is not the first instance of Afsana facing criticism for engaging with Hindu religious practices. In August 2026, during the holy month of Shravan, she shared images and videos of herself performing Rudrabhishek of a Shivling alongside her husband. Her caption — 'Meri taqat mera Mahadev hai' (My strength is my Mahadev) — drew both admiration and severe trolling. Comments at the time included 'Tum kuch bhi karo lekin name apna change karo' and 'Astagfirulla. This is haraam.'
This broader pattern — of public figures from minority religious backgrounds attending majority-faith celebrations — has increasingly become a flashpoint on Indian social media, where interfaith solidarity and religious identity are frequently contested terrain.
Who Is Afsana Khan
A popular Punjabi singer, songwriter and playback artist, Afsana Khan began her career with Voice of Punjab Season 3 in 2012 and appeared on Rising Star Season 1. She gained widespread recognition with tracks including Dhakka, Jaani Ve Jaani, and — most notably — Titliaan Warga, which became a major commercial hit in 2020. She subsequently entered the Hindi television space with Bigg Boss 15 in 2021, where her candid personality made her one of the season's most-discussed contestants.