#MeToo fallout: Sona Mohapatra slams Tendulkar, Anand Mahindra for praising ‘Indian Idol’ contestants

Ever since the #MeToo movement in India was kickstarted by actress Tanushree Dutta last year, several women have come out and shared stories of sexual abuse, exposing men in positions of power.

Last year, after singer Anu Malik was charged with #MeToo allegations, ,he was asked to step down as judge of the reality TV show, ‘Indian Idol’. However, much to everyone’s surprise (and dismay), the composer returned as a judge in the latest season of the singing reality show.

Sona Mohapatra, who was among the singers who accused Malik of harassment, has been leading a protest against him ever since the lineup of judges for Season 11 of ‘Indian Idol’ was announced. The singer has also taken to social media to express her disappointment on several occasions.



Recently, Mohapatra slammed cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar for praising the contestants of ‘Indian Idol’. The master blaster had tweeted appreciating the singing prowess of Rahul, Chelsi, Diwas and Sunny, all of whom are contestants on the show.


Mohapatra was quick to call out Tendulkar, and asked him ‘if the trauma of the victims mattered to him’.

Defending the cricketer, a Twitter user pointed out that Sachin’s praise of the contestants had nothing to do with Anu Malik.

However, Mohapatra responded, saying that the channel was riding on the goodwill of Sachin and Anand Mahindra’s praise to divert attention from Anu Malik.


Earlier, Anand Mahindra, too, had praised the singing talent on the show, saying they left him in tears.


For the uninitiated, in addition to Sona Mohapatra, singers Neha Bhasin and Shweta Pandit had also levelled allegations of sexual misconduct against Anu Malik, last year.