Singer Neha Kakkar latest song, "Candy Shop" has landed her in the middle of a heated online debate. The high-energy pop track, created in collaboration with her music composer brother Tony Kakkar, has been receiving strong criticism across social media platforms, with users tearing into everything from its lyrics and visuals to its overall concept. Designed as a glossy dance number, "Candy Shop" also features producers RAVASA and DJ TAE, and leans heavily on bright colours, playful costumes, and a global pop sound. However, what was meant to look trendy and modern has instead been labelled by many as “forced” and “unoriginal.” Now, Tony Kakkar has reacted to the controversy, and he is unmoved by the trolling. Neha Kakkar Calls Brother Tony Kakkar Her ‘Favourite’ in FIRST Post Amid Feud With Their Sister Sonu Kakkar (See Pics)

'Candy Shop' Visuals Slammed by Netizens

Several users on X (formerly Twitter) accused Neha Kakkar of trying too hard to imitate K-pop aesthetics without authenticity. One viral comment read, “She is obviously trying too hard to come off as a ‘cute Korean queen’ but ends up stuck in a weird, awkward, and honestly un-authentic space.” Others were far harsher, calling the song a publicity stunt rather than a genuine musical effort. take a look at some reactions.

Fan Reactions to 'Candy Shop'

'What in the World...?'

'Worst'

'Cringe'

'Shame on You'

Lollipop sang the song Candy Shop. 🍭

'Waste Packet'

Neha & Tony Kakkar didn’t drop a song. They dumped a musical waste packet on Spotify.

Neha Kakkar and Tony Kakkar's 'Candy Shop' Lyrics Under Fire

A large part of the backlash against "Candy Shop" has centred on its lyrics, written by Tony Kakkar. Sung in English, Punjabi and Marathi, the song’s childlike and repetitive lines have not gone down well with listeners. Many netizens mocked the lyrics. What are the lyrics of "Candy Shop"?

'Candy Shop' Lyrics:

"Going to the candy shop

Candy shop

I want one lollipop, I want two lollipop, I want three lollipop, I want four lollipop

Lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop (mmm)

Cherry, cola, bubble gum

I just can’t get enough

Wrap it up, I’ll take some

Fill my pocket, yum yum yum

I want one lollipop, I want two lollipop, I want three lollipop, I want four lollipop

Lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop (mmm)

(Lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop) (mmm)

Mala pasand Ahes tu hokar aahe majha aai cha

Rakna hai khayal Teri gori si kalai ka

Mala pasand Ahes tu hokar aahe majha aai cha

Rakna hai khayal Teri gori si kalai ka

Tu punyachi cat Haryana ka main tiger

Likh likh likh lollipop, lolly paper pe

Likh likh likh lollipop, lolly paper pe

Kitna mangana hai stock stock

I want one lollipop, I want two lollipop, I want three lollipop, I want four lollipop

Lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop (mmm)

Cherry, cola, bubble gum

I just can’t get enough

Wrap it up, I’ll take some

Fill my pocket, yum yum yum

I want one lollipop, I want two lollipop, I want three lollipop, I want four lollipop

Lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop (mmm)

(Lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop, lollipop)

(Mmm)".

Other lines like “Cherry, cola, bubble gum / I just can’t get enough” and “Fill my pocket, yum yum yum” were also criticised for sounding more like meme content than a mainstream pop release. Several users compared the song to viral joke tracks, with some even calling it “Dhinchak Pooja–level music.” Neha Kakkar Breaks Down on Stage at Melbourne Concert After Arriving 3 Hours Late; Angry Crowd Tells Her To ‘Go Back’ in Viral Video – WATCH.

Fans Question Neha Kakkar's 'Indian Idol' Judge Role

A section of the audience questioned how an artist associated with such lyrics continues to be a judge on Indian Idol, a show meant to guide young talent. Folk singer Malini Awasthi reportedly added to the debate by raising concerns about the influence reality show judges have on emerging singers. One blunt comment summed up the mood online, “Neha Kakkar’s downfall doesn’t need to be studied,” with fans feeling she has drifted far from the soulful songs that once defined her career.

Watch Neha Kakkar’s 'Candy Shop' Video:

'Candy Shop' Fails To Impress Fans

The backlash around "Candy Shop" highlights a larger shift in the Indian music scene. With audiences exposed to global genres like K-pop, listeners are becoming more selective and less forgiving of trend-driven experiments that feel rushed or mismatched. While Neha Kakkar and Tony Kakkar have delivered massive hits like "Coca Cola" in the past, "Candy Shop" seems to have struck the wrong chord. As of now, Neha Kakkar has not responded to the criticism. However, Tony Kakkar has reacted.

Tony Kakkar Reacts to 'Candy Shop' Trolling

Tony Kakkar has reacted to "Candy Shop" being trolled for its vulgarity and cringe quotient, saying that he is happy the song has gone viral. Tony is seen reacting on video, possibly in a live chat, where he is defending "Candy Shop", saying pop music will be trolled. He also said that it's through viral songs like these that he is able to produce other songs because of the money involved. Read what he said below.

Tony Kakkar on 'Candy Shop' Trolling - Watch Video:

 

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"One lollipop, two lollipops, three lollipops...arre arre arre mazza aa raha hai sab comments padhne mein. Pop music hain, troll toh hoga ek certain level pe, par bahot audience hai yaar. You cannot ignore the business. And 'koi apna hoga' aur 'ye zindagi bata de' jaise video ko produce karne ke liye uspe jo paisa lagta hai, vo inhi videos se aata hai. So, thank you, kar do viral, aur kaafi ho bhi gaya hai. Baaki jitna aur bhi karna hai kar do, baat karna hai, gaali do, pyaar do, bas views do." (Translates to: "One lollipop, two lollipops, three lollipops...I'm having so much fun reading all the comments. It's pop music, so there's bound to be some trolling, but there's a huge audience, man. You can't ignore the business aspect. And the money that goes into producing videos like "Koi Apna Hoga" and "Ye Zindagi Bata De" comes from these very videos. So, thank you, make it go viral, and it already has to a great extent.  Do whatever else you want to do, talk about it, hurl abuses, show love, just give us views.")

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 17, 2025 06:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).