Sona Mohapatra is facing backlash from Reddit users and others online for a recent social media post regarding Shefali Jariwala and the song "Kaanta Laga". The controversy arose after the directors of the "Kaanta Laga" remix, Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, announced they would "retire" the song following Jariwala's death.
Mohapatra responded to this announcement with a post criticizing the directors and their decision. She emphasized that the original creators of "Kaanta Laga" were R.D. Burman, Majrooh Sultanpuri, and Lata Mangeshkar, and accused Rao and Sapru of exploiting Jariwala's death for publicity. Mohapatra referred to the remix video as "smutty" and questioned Jariwala's "legacy," which many found insensitive. She wrote, "Three legends created Kaanta Laga. Composer, lyricist and singer; RD Burman, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Lata Mangeshkar...This utterly misplaced 'retirement' by people calling themselves 'makers' to get some PR out of a death, nothing less...These two only created a smutty video with a remix with a 19-year-old. RIP & all for the 42-year-old lady but legacy???".
The post quickly drew criticism online, particularly from Reddit users, who deemed it "insensitive" and "hurtful". Many felt that Mohapatra's comments were disrespectful to Jariwala, especially considering her recent passing. Some users pointed out that Jariwala's career was launched by "Kaanta Laga," and she was proud of her association with the song. One Reddit user wrote, "This is so unnecessary and insensitive, especially if Shefali's loved ones read it". Another commented, "This is actually so insensitive and hurtful for her close one. Also, there is no need to be rude to a person who is no more here to defend herself". Another user stated that "Our generation wouldn't have heard that song if not for Shefali. The old song wasn't a cult classic amongst millennials".
Some critics also accused Mohapatra of hypocrisy, noting that she herself has been involved in similar remix projects with provocative videos, such as "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar". This led to further accusations that her criticism was unwarranted.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the ethics of commenting on someone's legacy immediately after their death, as well as the appropriateness of criticizing their work, especially when they are no longer able to defend themselves. The incident has led many to question Mohapatra's motives and the tone of her remarks, with some users expressing that they have lost respect for the singer.
