'Vanambadi' K S Chitra faces cyber criticism over Lord Ram hymns chanting appeal
Thiruvananthapuram: National award-winning playback singer K S Chitra has faced criticism on social media following her recent video message encouraging people to chant Lord Ram hymns during the upcoming Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22.
In the circulated video, the renowned singer urged everyone to chant the 'Sri Rama, Jaya Rama, Jaya Jaya Rama' mantra at 12.20 pm during the consecration ceremony and light five-wick lamps in the evening to mark the occasion.
However, the video stirred controversy, with some netizens expressing disapproval, stating that she shouldn't have endorsed the Ram Temple and accusing her of taking political sides. Others, though, supported Chitra, asserting her right to express her opinion freely.
Singer G Venugopal, a notable figure, stood by Chitra, highlighting that online remarks insulted and hurt her.
This cyber backlash against Chitra echoes a recent incident where actor Shobhana faced criticism for participating in a women's empowerment program organised by the BJP. Chitra, popularly known as the 'Vanambadi' (nightingale) of Kerala, has an extensive repertoire of songs in multiple languages and has received numerous national and state awards.
Krishnan Nair Shantakumari Chithra, born on July 27, 1963, has had a remarkable career spanning over four decades. She has recorded an impressive catalogue of over 25,000 songs in diverse Indian languages, as well as foreign languages including Malay, Latin, Arabic, Sinhalese, English, and French.
Renowned for her extensive collaborations with eminent music composers such as A. R. Rahman, Ilaiyaraja, Hamsalekha, M.
M. Keeravani, and playback singers K. J.
Yesudas and S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, she has earned titles like the
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