Sonu Nigam caught in controversy over Kannada comment; film industry mulls ban

Bengaluru: Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam finds himself at the centre of a major controversy following remarks he made during a concert in Bengaluru that have sparked public outrage and drawn sharp criticism from pro-Kannada organisations and the Kannada film fraternity.

The controversy erupted after a viral video from Nigam’s performance at East Point College of Engineering and Technology on April 25 showed the singer responding sharply to repeated audience demands that he sing in Kannada.

Visibly irritated by the interruptions, Nigam was heard saying, “Kannada. Kannada. This is the reason behind what happened in Pahalgam,” referencing a recent terror attack.

His statement was widely perceived as provocative and insensitive, particularly by Kannada-speaking communities.

Soon after the video gained traction online, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada organisation, filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Nigam at Avalahalli Police Station.

The complaint accused the singer of making “objectionable and inflammatory remarks” that allegedly hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas and incited linguistic discord.

In his clarification posted on Instagram, Nigam explained that he had been “threatened” by a group of young men in the audience who forcefully demanded that he sing in Kannada.

“I am not a young lad to be humiliated by someone as young as my son,” he said, adding that he had already sung Kannada songs for nearly an hour before the incident occurred.

“Tell me, whose fault is it?” he asked in the video, urging the public not to generalize based on the actions of a few.

Despite his clarification, the backlash appears to be intensifying. Sources in the Kannada film industry reveal that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has called for a high-level meeting on Tuesday in Bengaluru, which will include representatives from the Music Directors’ Association, Directors’ Association, and Producers’ Association. One of the key proposals on the agenda is to bar Sonu Nigam from future Kannada film projects, a move that reflects the depth of disappointment within the industry.

Prominent music composers such as Sadhu Kokila, V. Harikrishna, Arjun Janya, and Dharma Vish are expected to attend the meeting.

Several insiders have expressed that Nigam’s comments, regardless of intent, were hurtful and have tarnished a long-standing relationship between the artist and the Kannada music industry.

Speaking to the media, some Kannada film personalities voiced their displeasure.

“Sonu Nigam has sung some of the most memorable Kannada songs. But what he said on stage, especially by dragging in a terror attack, was in very poor taste,” said one senior composer who asked not to be named.

This incident also reignites the long-standing debate about linguistic pride and artistic freedom.

While some argue that artists should respect regional sentiments when performing in specific states, others caution against stifling artistic expression or reacting to every remark with punitive measures.

For now, the ball is in the court of the Kannada film industry. As the KFCC deliberates on its course of action, many fans and industry watchers are hoping for a resolution that balances accountability with a spirit of reconciliation.