Sona Mohapatra defends Aishwarya Rai Bachchan against ‘demeaning’ comments

Sona Mohapatra recently reacted strongly against politician Rahul Gandhi for shaming Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in his speech.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted the winner of the 1994 Miss World beauty pageant in his recent speech, questioning Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai’s presence during the Ram Temple consecration ceremony.

He also called out the government for advocating celebrities.

The Indian singer and composer broke her silence on the subject, giving a nod to Gandhi in favour of the Devdas actress.

Sona expressed her disagreement with the politician. 

She took to X, formerly known as Twitter, sharing: "What’s with politicians demeaning women in their speeches to get some brownie points in a sexist landscape?

"Dear Rahul Gandhi, sure someone has demeaned your own mother (Sonia Gandhi), sister (Priyanka Gandhi) similarly in the past and irrespective you ought to know better? Also, Aishwarya Rai dances beautifully."

Mohapatra, who is known for speaking against sexism, politics, and inequality etc, responded to the user’s comment, that appeared to shame Aishwarya for her past roles, including Umrao Jaan, in which she played the titular role of a courtesan.

The 47-year-old singer hit back: "'Dancing like a courtesan' is indeed a compliment you foolish illiterate... From Amrapali, Barani, Purasati to even Umrao Jaan, the courtesans of Indian history were treasure troves and revered for their art, artistry and command over languages and poetry, performing arts."

Netizens also raised questions about Rahul’s obsession with Aishwarya Rai, noting: "What is @RahulGandhi’s sick obsession with Aishwarya Rai? It is SO creepy!"