Acclaimed singer KS Chithra faced criticism on social media following her appeal in which she asked people to recite Lord Ram’s mantra and light lamps in the evening on January 22.
KS Chithra, known as the ‘Nightingale of the South,’ stated in the video, “When the consecration ceremony is held in Ayodhya on January 22, everybody should recite the Ram mantra ‘Sri Rama, Jayarama, Jaya Rama’ at 12:20 pm. Similarly, everyone should light a five-wick lamp at home. Praying that God’s blessings are showered upon everyone. Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu.”
Singer Sooraj Santhosh reacted to Chithra’s appeal and wrote on his Instagram story, “The highlight is the innocence of the people who say, “Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu,” conveniently forgetting the history, putting aside the fact that the temple was built by demolishing a mosque. How many idols are going to be broken one by one? How many more KS Chithra will show their true colors? Pity.”
Writer Indu Menon wrote on her Facebook account, “No matter how much you chant in the blood of people, their migration, and their pains, no Rama and Vishnu are going to come. Even if you light 5 lakh lamps, your mind is not going to be filled with light. The world believed that it was Nightingale only because of the voice, but it has been proven that you are actually a ‘fake Nightingale.'”
Singer G Venugopal came out in support of Chithra and asked people to forgive her. He said, “All this is very upsetting for somebody who has not been involved in any kind of controversies till date. If there is a difference of opinion, can we not forgive her, who has sung so many songs for us, once?”
KS Chithra is a recipient of six national film awards and 36 state film awards from six states. The Padma Bhushan awardee has recorded over 25,000 songs in various languages.
(With Inputs from Shibi)