'Not Invited to NH7 Despite Being Worthier Than Ram Sampath': Sona Mohapatra

Sona Mohapatra speaks about losing out on jobs for being outspoken.

Sona Mohapatra gets candid about Shut Up Sona & more.

(Photo: The Quint)

Sona Mohapatra's upcoming film, Shut Up Sona, has released on Zee5 on Friday, 1 July. Speaking to The Quint about how the film resonates globally Sona said, "Thankfully the film isn't attempting to be an autobiography or a hagiography that Bollywood is prone to making. It's not glorifying me in any way. I think it touched a chord in terms of a female artiste's journey. We don't get enough opportunities to build our brand like the male artistes do".

Sona also said that the solo female perspective from the music industry has vanished and there's a lot of disparity.

"Romantic songs are only sung by men. I was called to sing 'Zaalima' from Raees. I stood in the recording room and listened to Arijit Singh singing the larger portion, and in the end I just got five lines. In most of these cases, as a consolation gift you are offered the reprised version. But they are never filmed or promoted".

Sona Mohapatra, Singer

Sona added that an exception to the rule is Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who always has a balanced soundtrack in his movies.

The singer also delved into how the music festival NH7 has a miserable representation of women on stage. "Because of my outspoken nature I have lost a lot of work. I am a bigger live performer than my partner Ram Sampath, but I am never invited to NH7. The truth is, I am maybe the troublemaker or the irritating woman who NH7 will not call. I admit I am flawed. But when I make mistakes I am willing to say sorry and hug someone. Maybe NH7 should do that too".

Sona also spoke about the death and rape threats she received on social media for calling out Salman Khan, the impact trolling has had on her mental health and how women in the industry don't stand up for each other.

Watch the video for more.