‘You killed someone’s dream’: Talwiinder reacts after viral face leak

Singer Talwiinder, best known for tracks like Haseen and Nasha, has spoken out after a leaked video from Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben’s wedding revealed his face, breaking the anonymity he has carefully protected for years.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, the masked artiste said the viral clip left him emotionally shaken. “I woke up to the video and saw my face everywhere...I was not in the right state of mind. I felt like it (my face) was snatched away from me — my world turned upside down,” he said.

Talwiinder has long used a mask as part of his identity, calling his music “made for the ears, not the eyes.” He believes visuals can distract listeners from the emotional core of a song and has often said anonymity allows him the freedom to live normally without the pressure of public recognition.

The leaked clip, however, quickly spread across social media, triggering memes, reactions, and reposts. Calling out the person responsible, Talwiinder said, “For the person who gave the video to the media, for, what, for ₹5,000, ₹10,000, ₹20,000, ₹50,000? You literally just killed someone’s dream.”

Despite the breach of privacy, the singer said he is choosing not to dwell on the negativity. “What kind of artist complains about getting attention?” he asked, acknowledging his privilege while adding that the media cycle around the incident “hasn’t been kind.”

“Sab ko apna ghar chalana hai (everyone has to run a household),” he said with a laugh. “If people are getting views, they’re happy, and I’m happy too.”

Talwiinder remains confident that his audience connects with him for his music rather than his appearance. “There’s so much love, I don’t even focus on the hate,” he said, signalling that the viral moment will not derail his creative journey.