Sona Mohapatra @49, gang rape threats over clash with Salman: Accused Kailash Kher and Anu Malik of sexual harassment, featured on Times Square billboard.

Sona Mohapatra is more often in the news for her outspoken statements than her songs. She consistently raises her voice against discrimination faced by women in the industry and for their rights. During the #MeToo movement, Sona accused two prominent figures from the music industry—Kailash Kher and Anu Malik—of sexual harassment.

Known for her fearless attitude, Sona has also clashed with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Although she received threats because of this, she never backed down from speaking her mind.

Compared to other female singers, Sona Mohapatra may have sung fewer songs in films, but the ones she has sung have become quite popular—whether it’s “Jiya Laage Na” from Aamir Khan’s film Talaash, “Ambarsariya” from Fukrey, or last year’s Laapataa Ladies song “Beda Paar.”

Sona believes that in recent years, there has been a significant decline in songs featuring female voices. Nevertheless, apart from singing, Sona has also made her mark in Bollywood as a composer and lyricist.

Sona became the first Indian independent singer to be featured on the Times Square Billboard. Her song “Aisa Na They” was displayed on the screen of the Man Elliott Times Square Billboard in Manhattan, New York. The music for the song was composed by her husband Ram Sampath, and the lyrics were written by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

Sona Mohapatra accused Kailash Kher of sexual harassment

Sona Mohapatra tweeted an allegation of sexual harassment against Kailash Kher. In her tweet, she wrote: “My band was supposed to perform with Kailash Kher at a concert, and for that, I met him at Prithvi Café. During our meeting, he placed his hand on my thigh and said, ‘You are very beautiful, it’s nice to know that you ended up with a musician (Ram), not some actor.’ After that, I left the place.”

After that, Sona wrote – “Even after this, Kailash’s misconduct continued. When we reached Dhaka, I was on my way to the venue with the organizers. Kailash kept calling me repeatedly. When I didn’t answer the phone, he told the organizers that instead of going for the sound check, I should first come to his room to meet him.”

Anu Malik had to step down from 'Indian Idol 11'

Sona Mohapatra also made serious allegations of sexual harassment against Anu Malik. Along with Sona, singer Shweta Pandit and two other women had also accused the music composer of sexual misconduct. Following these allegations, Anu Malik had to leave 'Indian Idol 11'. However, he returned to the show a year later. It is said that Anu Malik was given a clean chit by the National Commission for Women due to lack of evidence.

Sona strongly criticized Sonu Nigam

When Anu Malik was removed from 'Indian Idol 11', Sonu Nigam defended him. Around the same time, the debate on nepotism in Bollywood had intensified following Sushant Singh Rajput’s death. Many celebrities voiced their opinions on the issue, including Sonu Nigam, who spoke out against certain people in the music industry. Sona Mohapatra, however, lashed out at Sonu Nigam.

Sona tweeted that Sonu Nigam is the same person who supported #MeToo accused Anu Malik and is now talking about nepotism and music mafia in the industry. She wrote, “Did anyone notice that Sonu Nigam defended @IndiaMeToo accused Anu Malik, and now in another matter, he is claiming to have a video as proof?”