Singer Sona Mohapatra booked for ‘distorting’ iconic Odia bhajan
Puri: After facing flak for her rendition of popular Odia bhajan “Ahe Nila Saila”, Odisha-born Bollywood singer Sona Mohapatra has been booked for “hurting sentiments of Odia people and disrespecting Lord Jagannath”.
A complaint was filed against the Mumbai-based singer at Singhadwara police station in Puri by Sachetana Nagarika Mancha, a city-based socio-cultural outfit.
In the complaint, it was alleged that Sona had brought bad name to Odisha by incorrectly pronouncing some words in the popular devotional Odia song renowned Odia poet Salabega.
“Sona Mohapatra has offended the Odia community and Lord Jagannath by distorting the Odia bhajan. She hurt millions of followers of Jagannath cult. I urge the police to file an FIR against her,” said Prasanna Kumar Das, President of Sachetana Nagarika Mancha.
He further said that the singer should come to Puri and pray Lord Jagannath to forgive her.
The singer was booked under sections of 295, 296, 297, 298, 120 (B) and 134 of IPC.
Notably, the singer drew heavy criticisim soon after she posted a video on YouTube that she had performed the epic bhajan in a live concert in Mumbai last year. In the video, she is heard pronouncing Salabega as “Sale bega”, Charana as “Charane” Shrianga as “Chhiranga” and Matta as “Maatra” in her rendition.
Headlining the @PaddyFieldsFest & here’s an ode to my roots in #Odisha .
Ahe Nilo Soilo is a transcendental song & everyone on #SonaLive feels the magic of this creation when we perform it. ? pic.twitter.com/8r9BfzNY8V— SONA (@sonamohapatra) June 16, 2018
Sona, however, stood firm and unapologetic for her act. She, while speaking to a local TV channel from Mumbai, said there is no controversy over her rendition of the Odia bhajan song and urged people not to create debates on such matters.
Meanwhile, many people from the State and language lovers slammed the singer on social media for her incorrect pronunciation.
I know. Not only Odias but students from across cultures including those who surrounded me on a Berlin high street & in other parts of India, has reiterated the power of roots music & how important it is for us to put a spotlight on these gems from our culture. https://t.co/je1lV2Llkf
— SONA (@sonamohapatra) June 18, 2018
You decide what is Odia identity? Or represent it? By behaving like some close minded, defensive conservative? Sad identity & not one that will go far for progress if so. Show your love by creating a vital, paying scene that supports & celebrates your own artists to start with. https://t.co/QcUYSy4ZRn
— SONA (@sonamohapatra) June 18, 2018
Earlier, the singer had invited widespread criticism for her remix of the cult Sambalpuri song ‘Rangabati’.
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