Why is Sonakshi Sinha, chosen to sing with Justin Bieber, instead of an actual singer?

It is a common sight for us to see Bollywood actors lip-sync to songs that aren’t actually sung by them. It is also a common sight for them to be invited to perform at major events, including award shows, where you would normally expect a singer or an actual on-stage performer to take the limelight for once.

The monopoly of Indian actors over stardom has existed since the beginning of Indian Cinema’s origin, which has only added on to the struggles faced by aspiring musicians and singers who are mostly at the mercy of these stars.

That’s a brief analogy of things from our end, without digging any deeper.

So when actress Sonakshi Sinha, was recently chosen to perform as the opening act for the upcoming, much-anticipated concert by Justin Bieber, by the show’s organizers – she was headed to face the wrath of all the frustrated souls.

Initially, versatile vocalist and musician, Kailash Kher expressed his disappointment with the decision made by the organizers. “It doesn’t give a good message internationally. They (people overseas) will think that Sonakshi must be a big singer in India. Then she will get concert offers, and then probably Sonakshi will laugh them off saying, ‘I am not a singer but an actor’,” said Kher in a statement. He further added, “Whenever any singer from the West comes to India, we get an actor on board to match their level. We don’t get singer for another singer, but actor… Event managers and producers of the entertainment industry are so scared.”

A new debate was started on Twitter after his comments with musicians Amaal and Armaan Mallik also joining in to side with Kher.

Agree with @Kailashkher sir! Actors are actors & singers are singers. Leave the stage & mic to us, that’s our playground not yours. 🎤 https://t.co/fAezwNkTDF

— ARMAAN MALIK (@ArmaanMalik22) April 24, 2017

I second @Kailashkher

A music event should have only musicians performing & we should put out our best artists on such a big platform. https://t.co/qTT7dOgX9H

— Amaal Mallik (@AmaalMallik) April 24, 2017

Sonakshi did not restrain herself from responding to this, as she Tweeted calling them ‘insecure’:

A secure artist wud always encourage another artist to grow their skills and follow their dreams. Art in any form should not be suppressed. https://t.co/hJlm9U6Gk3

— NOOR (@sonakshisinha) April 24, 2017

And this is definitely not the same tune you were singing when you wanted me to sing for you 🎶 https://t.co/hJlm9U6Gk3

— NOOR (@sonakshisinha) April 24, 2017

Sonakshi, an occasional singer, who has recorded not more than 1-2 songs for her own movies, is chosen to perform at the upcoming gig by Hollywood singing superstar Justin Bieber for his first-ever concert in India.