Singer Sonu Nigam has broken his silence with an open letter following the FIR filed against him for his controversial remark during a recent concert in Bengaluru, where he appeared to link the demand for a Kannada song to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack. The incident, which occurred on May 1 at East Point College of Engineering, sparked massive backlash across Karnataka and led to a police complaint by pro-Kannada organisations.
Sonu Nigam shares open letter
Addressing the controversy through an Instagram post, the Kal Ho Naa Ho singer expressed his affection for the Kannada language and culture.
He wrote, "I have given unprecedented love to the language, the culture, the music, the musicians, the state, and the people not just when I am in Karnataka but anywhere else in the world. In fact, I have revered my Kannada songs way more than my songs in other languages including Hindi. There are 100s of videos circulating on social media as a testimony. I have more than an hour of Kannada songs that I prepare for every concert when in Karnataka."
However, Nigam firmly stated he would not tolerate being disrespected over language, especially by someone much younger. He explained that he attempted to deescalate the situation, telling the crowd the performance had just begun and asking for patience.
"Their own people were embarrassed and were asking them to shut up. I told them very politely and lovingly the show has just started, it's my first song, and that I will not let them down, but they have to let me continue with the concert the way I have planned. Every artist has a song list prepared so the musicians and technicians are in sync. But they were hell-bent on creating a ruckus and threatening me wildly. Tell me who is at fault?"
He concluded by saying, "I leave it up to the sensible people of Karnataka to decide who is at fault here. I will accept your verdict gracefully."
Other artists support Sonu Nigam
Extending his support to Sonu Nigam, music composer Ricky Kej commented on his post, "Your love for Kannada and Karnataka is well known beyond any doubt. I have seen numerous shows of yours in Bengaluru and you always perform Kannada songs. So I personally do feel that it was uncalled for the audience member to scream for Kannada music when he should have just been patient. If he was truly a fan of yours, he should have know the Kannada songs are coming."
He continued, "I have known first hand - at times you have refused to record songs in other languages but accepted many Kannada songs.. and not just film songs but even indie songs. Also, on many interviews I have heard you say that Kannada Composers come up with some of your fav melodies. This was just an unfortunate incident."
The FIR was registered at Avalahalli Police Station following a complaint by A. Dharmaraj, President of the Bengaluru City District Unit of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, who alleged that Nigam’s comment hurt Kannada sentiments and could incite communal tension.