Pitch perfect with Sona Mohapatra

Sona Mohapatra talks to Parvathi Benu about her tryst with music, life and her outspoken temperament
Sona Mohapatra
Sona Mohapatra

It’s was the year 2012, the third episode of Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate. A woman sings Rupaiya, a heart-wrenching song that echoes the pains of a young woman caught in the web of the dowry system.

That very moment, the country fell in love with this strong woman and her voice. Sona Mohapatra is someone who values good music and the story it tells over the number of hits. Hers is the same powerful voice that we have heard in movies like Talaash (Jiya Lage Na), Delhi Belly (Bedardi Raja) and Khoobsurat (Naina). When we caught up with her, she shared stories of her college days, her love for music, and how she has always stood up for the things that matter to her. Excerpts:​

How different were you in college?
I was always independent. My mother says that even at a young age I was adamant about tying my hair my way and wearing a bindi, unlike my sisters. Unfortunately, I don’t have any fun memories of college as those were the toughest days. But I have great memories of dancing to a lot of Govinda hits with my friends.

Would you change anything about your college days?
I was always one who broke stereotypes. Women were a minority in my college. We were locked inside the girls’ hostel by six o’clock. For events, girls were either not allowed to go or they were separated from the boys. We had to be dressed in salwar kameez to show that we were ‘decent’. These days, when I perform in colleges, I see girls and boys enjoying together even in places like Allahabad.
 
Who inspired you the most?
It was mandatory in our house to read the newspaper every day. I used to draw inspiration from people like Mallika Sarabhai, a dancer and an outspoken woman. I remember my chemistry teacher, Ravikumar, who believed that I had a crazy amount of energy that needed to be channelised.
 
How has the journey of life been for you so far?
I think that I was born to sing the kind of songs like on Satyamev Jayate. I was also the executive producer for the show. It was quite difficult at times to listen to interviews that uncovered very disturbing stories. I developed a skin stress disorder post the show. It taught me how to control my emotions. A partnership with Aamir Khan was one of the turning points of my life. When you work with people with similar beliefs and values, you create something that lasts for a lifetime.​

How was the transition from a corporate environment to being a full-time musician?
I’m living my dream every day. Initially, it was a challenge to quit a comfortable corporate job, considering I didn’t want to sing regularly. My dream was never to be a playback singer but to be an artist who put out her own music.

How does it feel to be an outspoken voice in B’wood’s ‘politically correct’ circles?
I’ve been consistent and vocal to speak against and speak up for certain issues. I don’t merely go on stage and sing a few songs. Social commentary is significant in my shows as much as music is. About 10 years ago, I had supported to ban the burqa; I stand for women’s rights and gay rights. I share my opinion about anything that affects me socially, politically and economically on a regular basis. But contrary to the common belief, I feel that the world is becoming a better place. The future will be about giving women an equal opportunity and eradicating the caste system.

Reach Out: sonamohapatra.com

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