Renowned singer and music composer Shankar Mahadevan recently took the stage at the prestigious Mahashivratri celebration held at Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation on Friday evening. However, as clips of his performance circulated on social media, numerous fans expressed disappointment over his decision to incorporate Bollywood songs into the event.
In addition to those present at the venue, the event was livestreamed on various social media platforms, where fans voiced their discontent with the inclusion of Bollywood music by Shankar Mahadevan in the spiritual festivities.
Shankar Mahadevan Promises a Rollicking Performance at Mahashivratri@Shankar_Live#AwakeWithAdiyogi #Mahashivratri2024 pic.twitter.com/yDP4Uoh7L9
— Isha Foundation (@ishafoundation) March 8, 2024
One user expressed their dissatisfaction, stating,
“Dear Shankar Mahadevan, #IshaFoundation is not a platform for Bollywood performances. Furthermore, the choice of songs… 🤢. #Sadguru, please refrain from inviting @Shankar_Live to future Isha Mahashivratri events.”
Another attendee commented,
“Shankar Mahadevan’s rendition of film songs seemed out of place at such a sacred event, seemingly motivated by personal interests rather than honoring the occasion.”
Here are some reactions:
Dear Shankar Mahadevan #IshaFoundation is not a FilmFare Stage to Perform so called Bollywood Songs. and that Lady Voice…🤢 Ufff. #Sadguru Plz Don't invite @Shankar_Live Again for Isha Mahashivratri. #SHAMEFUL #AwakeWithAdiyogi #Mahashivratri2024
— MEMEPACT (@mee_VijayKumar) March 8, 2024
#shankarmahadevan singing #RockOn at #MahaShivaratri event @ishafoundation @SadhguruJV 😂😂 What is happening? pic.twitter.com/MgCGDjYCqv
— Himanshu Arora (@himaanshuarora) March 8, 2024
Shankar mahadevan kind of disturbed the beauty of the event by singing filmy songs just to promote his sons. Such a beautiful event does not require stupid filmy songs.
— Manu Rana (@manu0387) March 8, 2024
Why is Shankar Mahadevan performing Bollywood songs at an ostensibly religious ceremony?? Or is it just a veneer of religiosity for what seems a corny bit of commercial performance??
— Gettherafeout (@madmadridistan) March 8, 2024
Shame on Shankar Mahadevan for singing Bollywood songs on the auspicious day. Wonder why he was called when they didn't prepare anything for Mahashivratri.
— Sumit (@sumit21aug) March 8, 2024
Upon announcing his participation in the Mahashivratri celebration, Mahadevan had initially conveyed his enthusiasm via Isha Foundation’s official platform, expressing his intention to perform songs dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, he also mentioned accommodating audience requests for Bollywood hits such as “Zinda” from “Bhaag Milkha”, “Rock On”, “Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe”, “Mast Magan”, “Mitwa”, and his iconic “Breathless”, alongside a selection of Shiva-centric compositions.
It is worth noting that Shankar Mahadevan, along with Zakir Hussain’s fusion band Shakti, recently received the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album, “This Moment”.