Popular playback singer Sonu Nigam has come under fire in Karnataka after making controversial remarks during a live concert in Bengaluru on April 25, prompting the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to impose a boycott against him. The chamber has demanded an unconditional apology, stating they would sever all professional ties with the singer until the issue is resolved.
At the concert, when a fan persistently asked Nigam to sing a Kannada song, the visibly irritated singer snapped, saying, “I always sing Kannada songs when requested. I had been singing in Kannada before that young man was born. But I did not like how he shouted ‘Kannada, Kannada’. Such behaviour leads to incidents such as the Pahalgam attack.” The comment—seen as comparing linguistic assertiveness to terrorism—sparked outrage among pro-Kannada groups and citizens alike.
KFCC President M. Narasimhulu announced the boycott publicly, stating, “From today, whoever is calling him for a song … we have decided that we would not have any activities with him.” The chamber emphasized that Nigam’s words were disrespectful and hurtful to the sentiments of Kannadigas, demanding a formal apology before reconsidering the boycott.
The controversy arrives at a sensitive time in Karnataka, following a recent claim by an Indian Air Force officer who alleged he was assaulted for not knowing Kannada. This, coupled with the growing tension between Kannada-speaking locals and migrants perceived to be indifferent to the regional language, has inflamed public sentiment.
In response to the backlash, Sonu Nigam issued a clarification on social media, expressing his respect for the Kannada language and culture. “I have given unprecedented love to the language, culture, music, musicians, state, and people… I revere my Kannada songs way more than songs in other languages, including Hindi,” he stated.
Despite his clarification, Bengaluru Police have summoned Nigam for further questioning, citing a complaint filed for hurting Kannada sentiments. Legal proceedings are underway, and the issue has reignited conversations around language sensitivity and regional pride.
Prominent figures in Karnataka’s music industry, including Karnataka Film Musicians’ Association’s general secretary Dharma Vish, have acknowledged Nigam’s talent but condemned his statement. “You compare a person or people from a state to terrorists—it is very damaging,” Vish said, stressing that the issue is not about talent but about respecting cultural identities.
The controversy remains a flashpoint in ongoing debates about Hindi imposition, regional identity, and cultural respect in India.
