Exclusive! Sona Mohapatra: Being vocal and supportive of other women led me to lose a lot of work

Living at a time when society is polarised, any artist would think twice before raising their voice against anyone in power, especially in the entertainment business. However, Sona Mohapatra is different. The singer has repeatedly been vocal and expressed her views on some crucial matters in the recent past, be it the #MeToo movement or the existing misogyny in the entertainment industry.

Recently, Sona lent support to fellow singer Chinmayi Sripada, who called out actor-politician Kamal Hassan for supporting the female wrestlers' protest but keeping mum about the #MeToo movement and sexual harassment in the Tamil entertainment industry. Chinmayi claimed that she has been ostracised by the Tamil industry for raising her voice against powerful people, including Vairamuthu and Radha Ravi.

Earlier, Sona had also spoken out against singer Kailash Kher and music composer Anu Malik for their alleged sexual misconduct.

Asked if being vocal and supportive of other women and the celebration of sisterhood has cost her in any way, Sona shared, "Yes, of course, it has. It’s all very convenient to rant on social media, but few people have the guts to take a stand that directly affects their wallet, and that’s what having 'values’ actually means. I used to feel disappointed that most women don’t feel a sense of sisterhood in the same way I do, but now I follow my gut and stand for things irrespective of the support or cabals that might cancel me." 

The singer has sung hit Bollywood songs like Jiya Laage Na, Ambarsariya, Mujhe Kya Bechega Rupaiya, Ghar Yaad Aata Hai Mujhe, Bekhauff, and Naina, among several others.

She recently lent her voice to two songs, Nikar Chalo Re and Lalla Lalli, for the film Kathal, which stars Sanya Malhotra. The film, which is produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Guneet Monga, is available to stream on Netflix.