So Mr Arijit Singh, you posted a detailed apology to Mr Salman Khan (the only detail it didn't have was what you were apologizing for!) and then deleted it after it was widely shared and circulated. What did you hope to gain from that so-called public apology? You mentioned in your note that you regretted an unintentional insult to Salman Khan and tried numerous texts and calls to say "sorry". Not just this, you wrote you did your best to meet him in person and explain your actions. When all your efforts failed, you posted this apology on Facebook.

It is due to sycophants and cowards like you that ordinary, talented people turn into gods and rule over other accomplished artistes in this unsparing film industry.

I don't have any problem with you seeking an apology, even when you are not wrong. But when did you turn into an attention-seeker? Honestly, your grovelling apology before a superstar, whose sheer arrogance has created or destroyed several careers, is sickening. It is due to sycophants and cowards like you that ordinary, talented people turn into gods and rule over other accomplished artistes in this unsparing film industry.

Tell me, what is the role of Salman Khan in your career? Is he your godfather? Do you owe your career to him? Did he train your vocals? What is his contribution to your list of hit tracks? How many songs have you sung for Salman that turned into chartbusters? We know the answers to all these questions. You're a self-made guy who stitched his career using the threads of rejections and challenges.

Stars, superstars or Bhais of the industry run after talents like yours when they find them commercially useful.

So instead of turning into an insomniac and posting guilt-ridden late-night messages, I advise you concentrate on your vocals which have got you so far. Let me tell you something: real talent works on its own terms and conditions. Stars, superstars or Bhais of the industry run after talents like yours when they find them commercially useful. These Khans stood in queue to rope in Yo Yo Honey Singh when his sexist rap songs were the rage. Once he'd exhausted his appeal, they moved on to other things. But your melodious voice is not some passing fad nor is it a stepping stone for anybody else's success.

Do you know that Lata Mangeshkar, the biggest songstress of all time in India, had refused to work with geniuses and the then 'gods of the industry' such as Raj Kapoor, Mohammad Rafi, SD Burman and others due to matters of principle? It was these producers, actors and composers who bowed down before her talent and reconciled with her as there was no substitute for the nightingale. She ruled the industry for a good 50 years and never begged anyone to keep her songs in a movie or album. That's how you retain your dignity.

[Lata Mangeshkar] ruled the industry for a good 50 years and never begged anyone to keep her songs in a movie or album. That's how you retain your dignity.

After your public apology, certain websites and writers are saying that one cannot get into the bad books of Salman Khan if one wants to survive in the industry. Really? Hell no! Just look at Kangana Ranaut. She became one of Bollywood's most successful actresses with no help from the Khans at all. In fact, she refused to work opposite Salman in Sultanand recently said that the Khans played no role in her meteoric rise.

Dear Arijit Singh, you have millions of fans who love you. Today, there are multiple platforms to sell your craft. You are not dependent on any Bhai! Just focus on your talent.

Sincerely,

Your fan Karan Bhardwaj