New Delhi: Contrary to expectations, Rani Sharma a young girl from Manipur who won accolades for her singing talent in now famous Indian Idol competition, has been abused by critics of extreme views in her own state.
A series of abusive trolls hit the Indian Idol official site when the young girl from Thoubal district of Manipur went and sang a Hindi song at the singing competition in front of eminent singer Sonu Nigam, director and choreographer Farah Khan and music director and Anu Malik.
Rani burst into tears on the stage describing her ordeal but continued singing which won hearts of the three judges known for their tough stand.
In Manipur, public screening of Hindi movies and songs has been banned over a decade as militant outfits call it an invasion by Indian culture which has dangerously diluted the strength of the region’s socio-cultural roots.
It’s not just the songs, Bollywood movies too face the same outcome and the Priyanka Chopra-starrer Mary Kom, based on the life of the World Champion boxer from Manipur, was banned in the state.
Twenty-four-year-old Rani Sharma dared to open up about the ban on Hindi songs in Manipur and suddenly caught media attention. She also stated how militant groups threaten people who sing Hindi songs in the state.
Now in Raipur she described how her mother even told her to stop singing Hindi songs following threat from militants to her father.
“But I will sing not for myself but for my state,” a choked Rani said to the bewildered judges adding “they can stop me today but they have to allow talent when more singers join.”
Incidentally, Rani can sing not only in Hindi but also in 24 Indian languages.
After the video which went viral on social media, racial comments against her have been increasing while others have also supported her.
