Not for the right reasons, a recent video of singer Sunidhi Chauhan performing live has gone viral.  To embarrass her, a number of social media users posted the video, focusing on her stage attire and dancing.  Many viewers, however, thought the video was flawless.  She was just performing with confidence and energy, as she always does.  
India's lady rock star is Sunidhi.  A significant aspect of her persona is her audacious theatrical presence.  Her supporters rushed to her defense.  One person criticized the critical remarks, writing, "India is a democracy, not a Sharia country."  Others brought attention to the unfair targeting of female performers based on their emotion or look.

Talent, adaptability, and uncompromising originality have been the cornerstones of Sunidhi's career.  Large stages and daring acts are nothing new to her.  Fans adore her in part because of this.  However, the trolling reveals a more serious problem: the tendency on the internet to disparage and shame public figures, particularly women.  

Criticism and hate are two different things.  Critiquing someone based on their stage presence or attire reveals more about the critic than the performer.  Respect for Sunidhi's work, not mockery for her fashion sense, is what she deserves.  Instead than stifling artists with antiquated standards, let's praise them.  

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