How are they contributing?: Anuradha Paudwal's LGBTQ+ remarks trigger backlash

Singer Anuradha Paudwal sparked controversy after questioning how the LGBTQ+ community contributes to society during a recent podcast. Her remarks have drawn criticism from several social media users.Anuradha Paudwal's remarks on the LGBTQ+ community sparked controversy.New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 19, 2026 23:20 ISTSinger Anuradha Paudwal has come under fire after questioning the contribution of the LGBTQ+ community to society during a recent podcast appearance. Her remarks, made while discussing marriage and changing family structures, have sparked criticism on social media.The veteran singer appeared on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube podcast, where she shared her views on what she described as the declining "sanctity of marriage." During the conversation, she linked this change to the rights given to the LGBTQ+ community.She said, "The sanctity isn't left in marriage. The reason is the rights given to the LGBTQ community. How are they contributing to society? I would like to know. In what way are they contributing?"The 71-year-old singer further said that a marriage between a man and a woman leading to the formation of a family has traditionally been considered the accepted social structure. Referring to same-sex relationships, she questioned how they contribute to the welfare of society, adding that she often comes across discussions about the LGBTQ+ community and wonders how such relationships benefit society.The singer also spoke about the growing number of divorce cases and expressed concern over their impact on children. She said that some divorce proceedings continue for as long as 12 years and questioned whether enough attention is paid to the emotional struggles children endure during such prolonged legal battles.According to Anuradha, children observe and learn from what they see around them.Anuradha also linked the rise in live-in relationships to changing family dynamics and suggested that these issues should be addressed before discussions around LGBTQ+ rights.Her comments quickly went viral, with many social media users disagreeing with her views.One user wrote, "The way society is moving, its a blessing not to contribute to the society (sic)."Another commented, "We should be declared TAX FREE, if we are not contributing to the society (sic)."Other reactions included, "This woman!! Seriously (sic)!" and "Such a poor thought (sic)!"Anuradha Paudwal began her playback singing career with a shloka in Abhimaan (1973) before lending her voice to films such as Kalicharan and Aap Beati.She became one of Hindi cinema's most popular playback singers in the 1990s with chartbusters from Aashiqui, Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin and Saajan. In recent years, she has largely focused on devotional music.- EndsPublished By: Pritinanda BeheraPublished On: Jul 19, 2026 23:19 IST