Sonu Nigam Addresses Controversy Over Bengaluru Concert Remarks

Mumbai, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Renowned singer Sonu Nigam has once again addressed the controversy surrounding his comments made during a concert in Bengaluru in 2025. He shared a video featuring Karnataka residents Manjunath Rao and his wife Pallavi, who were enjoying a shikara ride on Dal Lake before tragically losing their lives in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

In a lengthy social media post directed at the Kannada community, Nigam defended his remarks from the concert. He explained that he faced derogatory comments from a segment of the audience, and his reference to the Pahalgam attack was intended to remind people of the hatred and violence that claimed innocent lives.

“To my dear Kannada people, thank you for making the concert a houseful event. It brings me relief, as I do not want any discomfort in your hearts towards me,” he wrote.

Elaborating on his mention of Pahalgam, Nigam pointed out that the video of the couple was the catalyst for his reaction. He shared, “As an Indian, I cried watching this video, where they proudly spoke of their Karnataka roots while praising their experience in Kashmir. Little did they know that moments later, they would be shot simply for being Hindu. Their identity as Kannadigas offered them no protection.”

Reflecting on the Bengaluru concert, Nigam claimed that the hostility began with the first song. He stated, “I am sure none of you would tolerate such insults in real life. The abuse started even before I began singing. Remember, this was a college show, not a ticketed event. I usually avoid college shows due to budget constraints, but I never turned down Karnataka. I prepared for an hour and a half of Kannada songs, which occurred at the peak of my performance.”

Addressing the Kannada Rakshana Vedike (KRV), Nigam acknowledged their affection for the Kannada language and people but asserted that they did not witness the events that transpired during the concert. “Dear KRV, your love for Kannada is deeply respected. Your anger is valid, but you were not there to see what truly happened. I felt it was my duty to share the real truth of the incident. Please speak to the audience members present to understand how embarrassed they felt when I was being insulted,” he urged.

He further commented on singing in Kannada, stating that it would be childish to criticize someone who has contributed to Kannada music and culture for 30 years, performing for a crowd of 30,000 non-Kannadigas just to honor one person’s request for a Kannada song.

Nigam concluded by asserting, “I don’t need to work, sing, or perform. I’ve earned enough in my 49 years in this profession.”

This latest statement brings back into focus the controversy that began in April 2025 when Nigam linked the demand for Kannada songs at a Bengaluru college performance to the Pahalgam attack. His comments faced backlash from Kannada advocacy groups, including KRV, who have renewed calls to prevent his upcoming concert in Bengaluru, threatening protests if the event proceeds.