Usha Uthup Denies Political Meaning Behind ‘Didi Go’ Performance
MUMBAI — Veteran playback singer Usha Uthup has responded to controversy surrounding her Bengali rendition of the Arabic song “Didi,” denying that her performance had any political meaning.
Social media users had been sharing a video of Uthup’s live performance, in which she is heard singing a song inspired by “Didi Go.” Some users claimed the singer was taking a dig at the recently defeated chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee.
One user wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “In celebration of Didi leaving Bengal, Usha Uthup had fun by singing ‘Didi Go.’ It should be remembered that during the TMC regime, cut money was allegedly demanded from her for her performances, due to which she became troubled and moved to Mumbai. Now she has returned.”
Responding to the claims, Uthup shared a note on Instagram denying any political undertones to the performance.
“There has been a post circulating on Twitter, Insta and WhatsApp regarding me, and I would like to clarify that several statements made in that post are incorrect and misleading. The song in question is a Bengali song, composed many years ago and inspired by an Arabic tune. I have been performing it for over two decades purely as a musical rendition. I should like to clarify that I have lived in Kolkata since 1976 and never left Kolkata since then and moved to Mumbai. Kolkata has always been my home, and I continue to live and work here with immense love for the city and its people,” she wrote.
The word “go” in “Didi Go” is a Bengali term of endearment.
“The interpretations, comments, and narratives being circulated in that post are entirely not mine, and I do not associate myself with or take any onus for them in any manner. Please do not unnecessarily embroil me in controversies that I have absolutely nothing to do with,” Uthup added. (Source: IANS)
