Sonu Nigam, scheduled to perform in Bengaluru on October 24 as part of his The Revolution India Tour, has issued a video apology to Karnataka’s people following renewed protests over his controversial remarks linking a demand for Kannada songs to the Pahalgam terror attack.
KRV chief TA Narayana Gowda has also urged police to deny permission for the concert. Here is everything you need to know about the controversy:
Sonu Nigam faced backlash in April 2025 after his response to repeated requests for Kannada songs during a Bengaluru concert sparked controversy.
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He said, ""Yahi kaaran hai, Pahalgam mein jo hua hai na? Yahi kaaran hai jo kar rahe ho, jo kiya tha na abhi? (This is the reason for what happened in Pahalgam. This is the reason... what you did just now)."
Nigam’s remarks sparked backlash from Kannadigas, leading to a police complaint and FIR. While he clarified that his comments targeted specific individuals, not the Kannada community, the controversy resulted in a film song being dropped. The Karnataka High Court later granted him interim relief.
Sonu Nigam issues apology
On Tuesday, Sonu Nigam issued an apology on X, stating, "My dear Karnataka family, Thanna Kannadigaru. My truth is known to me, my Almighty, my Bhagwan, and to all the people who were there in the audience that eventful evening."
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"Nevertheless, I've had a beautiful chat with Shri Narayana Gowda ji. He's a wonderful person, and we've had a very warm and, respectful discussion. I have a lot of regard for him," he further added.
KRV chief TA Narayana Gowda said Sonu Nigam had apologised for hurting Kannadigas’ sentiments. He added that the organisation held no personal grudge against the singer, but the remark had prompted its protest.
TA Narayana Gowda said forgiveness reflects Kannadigas’ culture and praised artists who enriched Kannada music. He announced the end of KRV’s protest, expressing hope that Sonu Nigam would sing more Kannada songs and continue performing in Karnataka.
FAQs
What languages does Sonu Nigam sing in?
While primarily singing in Hindi and Kannada, he has recorded songs in Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Nepali, English and several other Indian languages.
When did Sonu Nigam start singing?
He began performing on stage at the age of three or four, joining his father to sing Mohammed Rafi’s classic songs.