Sona Mohapatra Questions Sachin Tendulkar for Supporting #MeToo Accused Anu Malik's Reality Show Indian Idol 11

Singer Sona Mohapatra has called out cricketing idol Sachin Tendulkar for praising talented young contestants on the reality show India Idol season 11. In her latest post on Twitter, Sona questioned Sachin whether he was aware of the MeToo allegations against composer Anu Malik, who has been brought back as a judge on Indian Idol this season by Sony TV, the channel airing the show. #MeToo: Sona Mohapatra Slams Sony Television for Retaining Anu Malik as the Judge of Indian Idol 11.

"Dear Sachin, Are you aware of all the @IndiaMeToo stories of multiple women, some minors who came forward in the public domain about Anu Malik, the judge in this same Indian Idol show last year including their own ex-producer? Does their trauma not matter or touch anyone?" tweeted @sonamohapatra. Shut Up Sona Review: Sona Mohapatra’s Riveting Documentary Reveals the Activist Behind the Feminist Artist

She added: "Yes, the context is actually missing, for U. A powerful conglomerate like Sony TV is trying to divert the shameful reinstating of a multiple accused sexual offender, Anu Malik as a judge on #IndianIdol by publicising @sachin_rt & @anandmahindra's praise & riding on their goodwill." Sona's tweet came as a reaction to Sachin's post a few days back, in which he praised several "Indian Idol" contestants of this season, saying he was moved by the performances of Chelsi, Divas, Rahul and Sunny and also their life stories.

"Really touched by the soulful singing & life-stories of these talented youngsters on Indian Idol. Rahul, Chelsi, Diwas and Sunny come from different parts of the country but have the same passion & dedication for music despite all odds. I'm sure they'll go a long way," @sachin_rt had tweeted. Sona has led the protest against Anu Malik's presence on "Indian Idol" almost ever since the lineup of judges for the current season was announced.

Sona Mohapatra Questions Sachin Tendulkar on his Indian Idol Tweet

Last year, Sona along with singers Shweta Pandit and Neha Bhasin had levelled allegations of sexual harassment against the composer. Soon, a couple of other women had come forward to accuse Malik of improper conduct, following which Sony TV had announced the composer was stepping down as judge from 2018's season 10 However, Malik was reinstated this season, leading to outrage.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 01, 2019 01:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).