Singer Sona Mohapatra has backed Alia Bhatt amid the backlash over her hosting at a recent award show, saying the criticism overlooks the challenges of performing live.
In a video shared on Instagram, Sona emphasised that Alia’s monologue had no safety net. “It was live—no retakes, no edits, no filters. Most actors wouldn’t even attempt something like that. The fact that she did is commendable,” she said, calling the effort “brave.”
She also took aim at the industry audience, describing it as disengaged and difficult to perform for. Recalling her own experiences at events like the Mijwan fashion show, hosted by Shabana Azmi, Sona said such rooms often lack energy despite being filled with stars. “Even at events for a good cause, the audience can feel ‘dead’. It’s a tough crowd,” she noted.
Addressing comparisons with co-host Zakir Khan, Sona pointed out that he is a professional stand-up comedian. “He’s an ustad of stand-up. Put him in Alia’s space—acting or dancing—and the comparison would be very different,” she said, adding that the audience may also have been more receptive to him.
Ending on a sharp note, Sona urged Bollywood to be less rigid. “Learn to laugh a little—it won’t kill you,” she said.
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