Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has never been one to shy away from controversial opinions, and his musical preferences are no exception. The BBC star has revealed the surprising artists he's actively banned from his personal playlists - and his reasoning is as brutally honest as his comedy.
The Musical Outcasts: Music Legends Romesh Can't Stand
In a revelation that's sure to divide music fans, Ranganathan has declared three music icons persona non grata on his playlists: Prince, Michael Jackson, and Bob Marley. While these artists dominate many people's most-played lists, Romesh has very specific reasons for giving them the boot.
Prince falls victim to what Ranganathan describes as "musical showing off." The comedian admits that while he recognises Prince's undeniable talent, he finds the constant virtuosity exhausting to listen to casually.
Michael Jackson's exclusion stems from what Romesh calls the "awkwardness factor." The combination of the serious allegations against the star and what he describes as Jackson's "unsettling" later years makes the music difficult to enjoy without distraction.
The Bob Marley Dilemma: When Music Becomes Background Noise
Perhaps most controversially, Ranganathan has also sidelined reggae legend Bob Marley. His reasoning? Marley's music has become so ubiquitous in certain settings that it's lost its impact.
"You hear it in every backpacker hostel and vegan cafe," Ranganathan explains, suggesting the music has been reduced to background noise for clichéd environments rather than being appreciated as the revolutionary art it represents.
A Glimmer of Hope: The Artists That Do Make the Cut
It's not all musical rejection in the Ranganathan household. The comedian does confess to having some surprising favourites that might raise eyebrows among music purists.
He admits to having a soft spot for certain pop acts that other comedians might mock, proving that even the most critical ears have their guilty pleasures. His playlist preferences reveal a man who values authenticity and listenability over critical acclaim or legendary status.
Ranganathan's musical confessions demonstrate the same honest approach that has made his comedy career so successful. In a world where many celebrities carefully curate their cultural tastes to appear sophisticated, his willingness to reject sacred cows is refreshingly genuine.
