October 27, 2025 : Veteran actress and producer Kunickaa Sadanand recently appeared on the singing reality show Indian Idol 15, where she shared the stage with Salman Khan and singer Mika Singh. The episode quickly went viral after the duo playfully teased her about her long-rumored connection with playback singer Kumar Sanu, prompting laughter from both the audience and the actress herself.
The light-hearted exchange occurred during a musical segment when Salman Khan, known for his wit and timing, began discussing the golden era of 1990s Bollywood music. Mika Singh joined in, making a cheeky comment about Kumar Sanu’s melodious voice, which led Salman to tease Kunickaa about the long-standing rumors linking her to the celebrated singer.
With a grin, Salman said, “Kunickaa ji, suna hai abhi bhi riyaaz chalu hai?”—a line that immediately sent the audience into peals of laughter. Kunickaa took the moment sportingly, smiling and replying, “Main toh hamesha riyaaz karti hoon, par aap logon ke saath toh aur maza aa gaya!”
The banter soon became one of the most talked-about moments from the episode. Fans appreciated the camaraderie between the stars, praising Kunickaa for her grace and humour in handling the friendly teasing. Clips of the exchange went viral across social media platforms, with viewers commenting on Salman’s spontaneous humour and Mika’s trademark playfulness.
For those unfamiliar, rumors about Kunickaa Sadanand and Kumar Sanu’s alleged relationship made headlines during the 1990s, when both were at the peak of their respective careers. However, neither of them ever confirmed the reports. Over the years, Kunickaa has often maintained that she shares a respectful and cordial bond with Sanu, whom she described in previous interviews as a “good friend and a talented artist.”
Kumar Sanu, who remains one of Bollywood’s most loved playback singers, is known for his chart-topping hits in the 90s such as Tujhe Dekha To Ye Jana Sanam, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh, and Mera Dil Bhi Kitna Pagal Hai. His collaborations with composers like Nadeem–Shravan and Jatin–Lalit have left a lasting legacy in the Hindi music industry.
Meanwhile, Kunickaa Sadanand has had a multifaceted career spanning acting, film production, and social activism. She has appeared in several notable television shows and films including Beta, Khiladi, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, and Koyla. Beyond acting, she has also worked on projects advocating women’s rights and education.
During the Indian Idol episode, Salman Khan and Mika Singh praised Kunickaa for her enduring charm and her contributions to Indian entertainment. Salman, who was on the show to promote his upcoming action film Sikandar, shared a nostalgic moment recalling how the songs sung by Kumar Sanu were an essential part of his early film career. “Sanu da ke gaane ke bina toh humare 90s complete hi nahi hote,” Salman remarked, drawing applause from the judges and contestants.
The episode ended on a musical high note, with Mika performing a medley of Kumar Sanu’s greatest hits, while Kunickaa joined in singing a few lines, earning cheers from the crowd. The segment reflected the warmth and good humour among the artists, something fans often cherish in celebrity reality show appearances.
Social media buzzed with posts about the exchange, with hashtags like #SalmanKhan, #MikaSingh, #KunickaaSadanand, and #KumarSanu trending for several hours. Many users commented that such unscripted, lighthearted moments bring back the charm of classic reality television.
Entertainment analysts noted that the timing of the episode’s broadcast — just ahead of Diwali — also contributed to its high viewership. With nostalgia and humour blended perfectly, the show struck the right chord with audiences across generations.
While the banter was purely in good humour, it also reminded fans of the golden era of Bollywood music when melody, emotion, and simplicity ruled. Kumar Sanu’s timeless songs, Salman Khan’s stardom, and Kunickaa Sadanand’s enduring charm together created a memorable television moment.
As for Kunickaa, she continues to balance her career between entertainment and advocacy. In recent interviews, she has emphasized her focus on producing meaningful cinema and supporting social initiatives. The actress has also hinted at returning to television in a strong, women-centric role.
In an era dominated by quick online trends, this moment of nostalgia and light-hearted fun stood out for its spontaneity and warmth — proving once again that Bollywood’s golden stars can still light up the screen with their charisma and laughter.
Summary
Salman Khan and Mika Singh’s playful teasing of Kunickaa Sadanand about her rumored link with Kumar Sanu on Indian Idol went viral, sparking nostalgia and laughter among fans.