Singer Sona Mohapatra is in the headlines recently after her controversial statement about late actress Shefali Jariwala starrer song " Kaanta Laga".
Sona Mohapatra, a singer, expressed her disapproval of the recent announcement by director duo Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao about the "retirement" of the 2002 remix of Kanta Laga, featuring Shefali Jariwala, on her Instagram Stories on Saturday, July 5.
Sona expressed her obvious disapproval and questioned their right to declare the remix retired, pointing out that the music video was a sensationalised version that had little to do with the legacy of the original song, even though it was popular.
Sona stated unequivocally that, in her opinion, the original Kaanta Laga belongs to the legendary trio of composer R.D. Burman, renowned lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri, and unique vocalist Lata Mangeshkar, who made the original in the 1972 movie Samadhi. It was their creative genius, she argued, that gave birth to the timeless track—one that stood the test of time long before the remix era.
Her post read, "3 Legends created KAANTA LAGA. Composer, Lyricist & 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. (Viral B is a paid site largely)"
Sona Mohapatra accused directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru of leveraging Shefali Jariwala’s death for publicity, slamming their version of Kaanta Laga as a "smutty" remix created without the consent of the original song’s legendary creators. "These two only created a smutty video with a remix with a 19 yr old. (Of course no permissions from legends required for their xx interpretation). RIP & all for the 42 year old lady but legacy ??? & this #India?", Sona concluded her post.
The internet, especially X users, reacted strongly to Mohapatra’s post, with many accusing her of being insensitive and disrespectful. One user wrote, "Why are you so salty about everything. This doesn’t even concern you lady. Mid life crisis much?"
Another netizen commented, "It’s a new low to be jealous & disrespectful of a dead woman who did nothing to you. I hope you recover from being a bitter retard, but it seems you’re terminal."
Following Shefali Jariwala's unexpected death on July 27 from cardiac arrest, the remix discussion reappeared. Directors Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao responded with a heartfelt homage, declaring that they would never make a follow-up to Kanta Laga.
They stated that the song would always be a part of Shefali's legacy and gave her credit for establishing the "Kaanta Laga girl's" visual and cultural identity.
Fans and industry insiders alike expressed their sorrow over Shefali's passing, recalling her as a pop culture icon of the early 2000s.
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