Indian Railways (IR) is facing criticism for its recent showpiece, Vande Bharat Express, which featured 12 young women belting out songs on their journey. This allegedly flouts IR rules prohibiting loud noises in trains. Public transport in India often becomes a personal stage, with antakshari battles and shared karaoke kravings. Some argue that talent shows are scripted political acts, but it is considered rude to hijack public space and make it a raucous public one.