Singer Sona Mohapatra has expressed displeasure over music composer and singer Vishal Dadlani for staying quiet on his Indian Idol co-judge Anu Malik, who has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women. It so happened that Vishal tweeted about the political imbroglio in the formation of Maharashtra government. He wrote, "You know what's incredible? 99 per cent of Mumbai couldn't care less about whatever is going on with the formation of the government. What amazing apathy (sic)." Sona Mohapatra, who has been expressing her displeasure about Anu Malik being reinstated on Indian Idol, wrote, "You know what's even more incredible? That you continue to give gyaan about apathy but choose to do nothing about #MeToo accused co-judge Anu Malik on Indian Idol? Hypocrite much? (sic)."
On October 20, 2018, Sona has shared an incident where an aspiring singer and an Indian Idol hopeful was sexually harassed by Malik. She wrote, "Sony TV clearly doesn't care about India or any values. Continues to celebrate this predator on the judge's chair. Read this India (sic)." Sona got a supporter in the form of Abhay Deol, who commented on the post saying, "Admire you very much Sona. You have my support (sic)."
Sona then shared the screenshot of the actor's comment and wrote, "The first actor from our industry to extend support, @AbhayDeol. Has always been a man with a mind of his own and has made his own road to travel in. Walks his talk. Thank you and big love. Also thank you for being on the right side of history (sic)."
