Ila Arun defends Alka Yagnik after 'cannot sing' jibes post Padma Bhushan
Synopsis
A Padma Bhushan ceremony turned into an unexpected flashpoint when online critics questioned Alka Yagnik's ability to sing — prompting a heartfelt public defence from Ila Arun and a personal health clarification from Yagnik herself. The episode raises uncomfortable questions about how India treats its legends the moment vulnerability is visible.
Key Takeaways
Ila Arun posted a public defence of Alka Yagnik on 25 June after online comments claimed she 'cannot sing anymore.' Alka Yagnik was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan , one of India's highest civilian honours, for her contribution to Indian music.
A viral video of Yagnik leaving the ceremony in a wheelchair triggered concern and criticism online.
Yagnik clarified she was 'simply fatigued' after a long day and requested the wheelchair — she is 'recovering well.' Arun stated she looks forward to singing with Yagnik again , expressing confidence in her return to full form.
Singer-actress Ila Arun has publicly rallied behind veteran playback singer Alka Yagnik after noticing a wave of online comments questioning her vocal abilities — remarks that surfaced following Yagnik's recent Padma Bhushan honour and amid ongoing concern about her health. Arun's emotional defence came on Thursday, 25 June, through a post on her social media account.
What Ila Arun Said
In her post, Arun addressed the critics directly, writing: 'To those doubting Alka Yagnik ji, I've been seeing comments that she "cannot sing anymore" after being honored 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.'
She went on to celebrate Yagnik's legacy: '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.'
Arun closed her note with a personal message: 'I love you, dear Alka — your strength, your positivity. I see you coming back in full swing. With lots of love and blessings, Yours always, Ila Arun.'
The Wheelchair Video That Sparked Concern
The controversy follows a video that went viral on social media showing Alka Yagnik leaving the Padma Bhushan ceremony in a wheelchair. Separately, she was also seen being escorted by an assistant while walking up to receive the award, which heightened public concern about her wellbeing.
The Padma Bhushan is one of India's highest civilian honours, awarded in recognition of Yagnik's extraordinary contribution to Indian music over several decades.
Alka Yagnik Responds to Health Concerns
Also on Thursday, Yagnik herself addressed the speculation in a statement posted to her social media account. She reassured fans that she is 'recovering well' and clarified that the wheelchair was requested out of fatigue after a long day.
In her words: 'Thank you for your love, concern and countless good wishes. I have seen the concern surrounding a video from the ceremony and would like to assure everyone that I am well and progressing positively in my recovery. After a long and memorable day at the Padma facilitation, I was simply fatigued and requested a wheelchair while leaving.'
She added: 'Please do not worry. I am feeling much better and remain deeply grateful for the prayers and support that continue to strengthen me. My heartfelt thanks to the Hon'ble President of India, the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Government of India for this tremendous honour. Let us celebrate this joyous occasion together. With gratitude and love, Alka Yagnik.'
A Legacy Under Unwarranted Scrutiny
The online criticism directed at Yagnik has drawn broader pushback from within the music and entertainment community. Alka Yagnik is widely regarded as one of the most prolific playback singers in Hindi cinema, having lent her voice to thousands of songs across four decades. The timing of the negative comments — coinciding with a national honour — has struck many observers as particularly tone-deaf.
As Yagnik continues her recovery, the industry's response, led publicly by Arun, signals that peers remain firmly in her corner.
Point of View
Yet it became fodder for sweeping verdicts on her career. Ila Arun's intervention is welcome, but the episode also highlights how social media can turn a celebration into a trial for ageing artists. India's music industry has a long history of venerating legends in speech while abandoning them in practice; this moment tests whether that gap is closing.
NationPress
25 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ila Arun post in support of Alka Yagnik?
Ila Arun posted in support of Alka Yagnik on 25 June after noticing online comments claiming Yagnik 'cannot sing anymore,' which surfaced following her Padma Bhushan award. Arun called the remarks 'disheartening' and expressed confidence that Yagnik would return to singing.
What is Alka Yagnik's current health status?
Alka Yagnik has stated she is 'recovering well' and clarified that her use of a wheelchair after the Padma Bhushan ceremony was due to fatigue after a long day, not a medical emergency. She said she is 'feeling much better' and thanked fans for their concern.
Why was Alka Yagnik seen in a wheelchair at the Padma ceremony?
Yagnik explained that after a long and memorable day at the Padma facilitation event, she was simply fatigued and requested a wheelchair while leaving. She clarified this herself in a social media post on 25 June.
What is the Padma Bhushan and why was Alka Yagnik honoured?
The Padma Bhushan is one of India's highest civilian awards. Alka Yagnik received it in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to Indian music across several decades as one of the most celebrated playback singers in Hindi cinema.
Have Ila Arun and Alka Yagnik worked together before?
Yes. Ila Arun mentioned in her post that she has had 'the joy of singing many songs' with Alka Yagnik and expressed that she looks forward to singing with her again, indicating a long professional relationship between the two artists.
