Sona Mohapatra Stirs Up Another Controversy With Odia Bhajan

Bhubaneswar: Popular singer Sona Mohapatra has stirred up yet another controversy with her latest rendition of the popular Odia bhajan “Ahe Nila Saila” by Salabega, the renowned Odia poet and ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath.

According to the video posted by the singer, she is heard pronouncing Salabega as “Sale bega”, Charana as “Charane” Shrianga as “Chhiranga” and Matta as “Maatra” in her rendition.

In a statement to a local TV channel, Sona has said there is no controversy over her rendition of the Odia bhajan song. She also urged the people not to rake up debates on such matters.

In his reaction, convenor of Odia Bhasa Andolan, Pabitra Maharatha, said the manner in which Mohapatra has ridiculed Lord Jagannath, she should be treated as a habitual offender as she has made all attempts to denigrate the entire Odia race and its pristine culture.

It may be recalled that the singer had invited widespread criticism for her remix of the cult Sambalpuri song ‘Rangabati’.