Singer Sona Mohapatra shared another lengthy Instagram post on Thursday, defending her previous post on the bold mehndi controversy, questioning her professional accountability after she was reprimanded on stage by a cabinet minister from Uttarakhand state after he alleged that the singer had consumed alcohol before going on stage. In her new post, Sona Mohapatra explains why she differs from public opinion and why sentimentality cannot be a ‘substitute’ for scrutiny.
The Darer Mehndi controversy has already divided the industry, with Mika Singh, Kapil Sharma and others defending the senior singer and questioning his public ‘humiliation’, while others insisted on the singer’s professional accountability.
“Sometimes, I wonder what’s wrong with my wiring. Why, when a whole room agrees on something, do I find myself looking at the one thing no one wants to talk about? Why can’t I enjoy the comfort of agreement? It sure would be easier. Less noise. Less anger. Certainly less Courtmine of StandardReminded of this Courtminesole!” Mahapatra wrote.
She revealed that her posts were flooded with tags, warnings, comments and comparisons after she took on the bold mehndi controversy. Sona argued why she would not be able to conform to wider public opinion.
“I belong to the world of performing artists. For many of us, a world blessed with extravagant love, applause, honors and considerable wealth. We fly to cities, stay in beautiful hotels, get celebrated and get paid handsomely to do something we love. And yet, thanks for doing all this has become less important than our own safety?
“When did empathy become a reason to abdicate accountability?” Mahapatra wrote
“And why do we, especially in India, succumb so easily to sentimentality? We place such a premium on being inspired that we sometimes forget to think. A compelling emotional narrative, a slightly collective narrative, a familiar face in distress, and sudden questions become uncomfortable. The victim is chosen, and the ideological sides are left out. Sentimentality can be a beautiful human trait, but when it becomes a substitute for investigation, it becomes very There can also be manipulation,” added the singer.
Comparing the blurred lines between the prerogatives and responsibilities of a creative artist, Sona Mohapatra wrote, “Surely we can feel compassion for someone without suspending our judgment and acknowledging someone’s struggle does not mean ignoring their responsibilities?
“How many applause is enough? How many cars, how many comforts, how much money before we stop seeing ourselves as wrong people and admit what we owe?
“These questions seem so primitive to me. And yet, asking them can make me feel like the lone lunatic at a very large party.”
Unapologetic for standing on the other side of the fence, Mohapatra wrote, “Belonging to myself is more important to me than belonging to the crowd. Even on days when I wish it didn’t cost so much.”
Row of bold henna
The controversy erupted when Darer Mehndi performed at the Siddhpeeth Maa Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair in New Tehri on Sunday. During the event, Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Unyal interrupted the singer and questioned his performance, saying that he was invited to entertain the audience.
The incident sparked online debate, with allegations that Darer was under the influence of alcohol and struggling to sing.
Mika Singh defended Daler during the controversy. Unyal later told ANI that the singer was lip-syncing and said he raised concerns as a leading artiste should do justice to his performance. The minister also claimed that Daler was paid Rs 35 lakh for the event.
Sona Mohapatra’s first post
On Tuesday, Sona took to Instagram to share her experience at the second edition of the Sufi Heritage Festival in Delhi. He said he and his team stayed back hoping to see Daler perform a different, Sufi-centric set.
He described the performance as disappointing, claiming the singer appeared frustrated, struggled to hold notes and sang the same musical phrase over and over. He also said that some audience members slowly left the venue despite paying to attend the event.
Sona added that she and her team felt uncomfortable and saddened by what they saw but remained silent out of respect for the veteran singer. Looking back, he questions whether silence was the right answer.
Also Read | If I see Daler Mehndi drinking alcohol, I will give up singing: Mika Singh