Usha Uthup Denies Mamata Banerjee Angle To ‘Didi Go’ Performance

MUMBAI- Singer Usha Uthup has reacted to the controversy surrounding her Bengali rendition of the Arabic-inspired song ‘Didi Go’ after social media users linked it to the recent electoral defeat of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Social media platforms saw users widely sharing a video of Usha Uthup’s live performance in which she was heard singing the song. Several users interpreted the performance as a political dig at 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, Uthup posted, “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.”

The singer further clarified that she has continued living in Kolkata for decades.

“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 said.

The singer also explained that 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,” she added. (IANS)