A video from the show Voice India Kids, a reality singing competition show, is creating quite a stir. The show has singer Papon as a judge alongside Shaan, Palak Muchhal, Himesh Reshammiya, Shekhar Ravjiani, and Neeti Mohan. Papon has been accused of kissing a minor girl (11-year-old) during the show’s Holi celebrations. He applied colour on one of his contestant’s cheeks and then kissed her, against which a report has been filed by Supreme Court lawyer, Runa Bhuyan.
The video was aired on Papon’s Facebook page, you can watch it here:
“I am shocked to see the behavior of the said singer Angarag Papon Mahanta towards a minor girl where he is seen to be applying colors to a minor girl and inappropriately kissing the said girl. On seeing the video, I am seriously concerned regarding the safety and security of minor girl participating in reality shows across India,” said Runa to a leading newspaper.
The father of the girl, however, doesn’t agree with the complaint and said that Papon has always been a good person and the situation is being blown out of proportion. “Papon sir is a mentor and a father figure to my daughter and has always encouraged her to pursue her dreams. He doesn’t differentiate among the children who are here and gives them equal guidance on pursuing their dreams. What you saw in the video is not intentional. It was just a moment of affection that is being portrayed otherwise. I would request and urge the media to not pursue this further,” his statement states.
Papon’s lawyers and manager have termed it as an act of affection as well, stating that they will not remove the video from their social media pages since it isn’t offensive material. The singer himself has taken a bold and honest stand on the situation and written a post on his Facebook page.
What’s your take on the situation?