Judge her singing, not her religion: Singer Suhana Syed's father

22-year-old Suhana Syed sang a Hindu hymn at a singing reality show  Least did she realise that she will have to go into hiding  Her father decried the attention on the fanatics over his daugher

Suhana Syed found herself in the centre of a strange controversy a week ago, when she was trolled by a few fanatics for singing a devotional Hindu bhajan in a television singing talent show. 

Fueled by the media, the controversy snowballed into a major issue, highlighted by all national news agencies. However, Syed Muneer, the father of the child, rued that so much publicity went to a few hard-line clerics, rather than focusing on the talents of the girl. 

Speaking to Asianet Newsable, Syed Muneer said that Suhana always had an inclination towards folks songs and bhajans and the family had no issues. She even sang playback songs for 'Yakshagana' (A Hindu traditional folk dance and drama) in her village near Sagar, Karnataka. 

Her father said that Suhana used to play keyboard as well and has no guru. Her father said that she learnt music by herself and decided to participate in the singing talent reality show after her friends supported and encouraged her.

Apart from singing, Suhana has always been a good student, bagging a high rank in academics since her first standard. She is currently completing her MBA in Dayanadasagar College, Bengaluru.

 "We have supported her in her journey. On January 23 she was selected for an audition in the 13th edition of the 'Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' in Bengaluru. We do not care what the clerics think. We have gracefully accepted the criticisms, but we will continue to support our daughter," said Muneer, who is government school teacher in Bheemanakale village in Shivamogga.

The girl, who has been away from home for some time due to the reality show, is said be very disturbed by media reports and has switched off her phone. She only calls up her parents late in the evening for few minutes and then hangs up.

"After the episode, where she was criticised and trolled, we asked her not to lose hope and asked her to be very strong," said Muneer. He further added that people should see her talent and encourage her, rather than judge her based on her religion.

"We have always followed our religious principles. At the same time we have also learned new things, have knowledge about other religions and equally respect their values," stressed Muneer.