Vishal Dadlani publicly apologised to singer-composer Jasleen Royal on the sets of Indian Idol, ending a public disagreement that began earlier this year. The moment, witnessed by rapper Badshah, concluded with the two artists embracing on stage. The exchange was shared online by Royal's manager, Yash Sanjeev Badwe, with Badshah later reacting to the post with a heart emoji, calling it "such a beautiful moment."
The controversy dates back to January 2025, when Royal became the first Indian artist to open for Coldplay's Music of the Spheres tour in Mumbai. Her set received mixed reactions, with some accounts describing her as having been booed during the performance, and her earpieces reportedly malfunctioning onstage. Her later performances, including a duet with Chris Martin on "We Pray," were considered more successful.
In the aftermath, Dadlani posted an Instagram story criticizing the performance and India’s label systems failing to promote talent properly. The story was deleted but circulated widely, with many assuming the comments targeted Royal.
Speaking on Indian Idol, Dadlani acknowledged that he had said more than he should have, clarifying his criticism being aimed at organisers, not Royal, and noting the industry already has too few female composers to discourage. Royal accepted the apology, revealing the earlier remarks had affected her deeply, giving her long-standing view of Dadlani as a mentor.
Three months after the Coldplay performance, Royal addressed the experience in a 17-minute mini-documentary, "Dare to Dream." The reconciliation arrives as Royal continues to ride the success of her single "Inaam," featuring Badshah, released in April 2026. With the Coldplay chapter now publicly closed, the moment marks a notable turn in a story that began with online backlash and has since moved toward a more settled resolution between two of the industry's prominent figures.
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Jasleen Royal
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Vishal Dadlani
