‘Not Afraid’: Bengali Singer Lagnajita Chakraborty Vows To Keep Singing ‘Jago Ma’ After Heckling

Last Updated:December 21, 2025, 20:23 IST

Speaking exclusively to News18, Chakraborty said the programme began around 7 pm and proceeded without disruption until she performed ‘Jago Ma’.

Bengali singer Lagnajita Chakraborty. (Photo: X)

Bengali singer Lagnajita Chakraborty said she will continue performing the song ‘Jago Ma’ despite being heckled and allegedly harassed during a live programme in West Bengal, asserting that she is “not afraid" of threats.

The incident occurred during a cultural programme where Chakraborty was performing songs from her collection, including ‘Jago Ma’ from the film Devi Choudhurani, released during the last Durga Puja.

According to the singer, a man later identified as Mehboob Mallik rushed towards the stage after the song and confronted her, demanding that she sing a “secular" song instead.

Speaking exclusively to News18, Chakraborty said the programme began around 7 pm and proceeded without disruption until she performed ‘Jago Ma’.

“After finishing the song, I suddenly saw a man run towards the stage and come very close to me. He jumped onto the stage and attempted to physically assault me," she said.

She added that people present intervened and removed the man from the stage. “While being taken away, he shouted that there had been enough of ‘Jago Ma’ and asked me to sing a secular song. He also addressed me disrespectfully, using ‘tu’," Chakraborty said.

Following the incident, she said she was unable to continue the performance and immediately informed the police.

Chakraborty later lodged a formal complaint, naming Mehboob Mallik, whom she identified as one of the owners and a member of the governing body of the school where the programme was held.

She alleged that she was abused and nearly assaulted during the performance.

Responding to questions on whether the episode reflected a change in Bengal’s social climate, Chakraborty said she did not wish to comment on broader societal shifts.

“Whether Bengal is changing or not is not for me to decide. But standing up for myself is my strength. Nobody has the right to do this to me," she said. “I am an artist doing my job. If someone doesn’t like my performance, they can say so from below the stage. I will not allow intimidation."

‘Not Afraid’

Asked whether the incident would deter her from performing in rural areas, the singer said it would not.

“I am not afraid. I will perform again in Arambagh later this week, and I will sing this song again. ‘Jago Ma’ is my song, why should I not sing it?" she said, adding that she believes adequate security will be provided for her performances going forward.

On whether such incidents are on the rise, Chakraborty said firm administrative action was key. “If the administration takes these matters seriously, such incidents can be sorted out," she said.

She also said she did not want to attach a religious label to the episode. “I don’t know what he believed in, but I will not allow anyone to flex their muscles in front of me or try to intimidate me," Chakraborty said, adding that members of Bengal’s cultural fraternity had reached out to express solidarity.

The incident has triggered political reactions, with BJP spokesperson Pradip Bhandari accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of suppressing Hindu religious expressions.

In a post on X, Bhandari alleged that Chakraborty was heckled for singing a Durga song and claimed it was deemed “not secular enough" by a TMC leader. He also accused the party of hurting the religious sentiments of Bengalis.

Chakraborty said the remarks made during the programme were clearly audible to those present, prompting her to stop the show and approach the police.

Police confirmed that a man has been arrested in connection with the incident and said an investigation is underway based on the singer’s complaint and statements from witnesses present at the venue.

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