Sonu Nigam defends Kannada culture amidst concert controversy

Time of India

05-05-2025

Bollywood singer
Sonu Nigam
addressed recent controversy at a
Karnataka
concert where he faced disruption over
language issues
. The 51-year-old artist detailed how some audience members threatened him during his performance, demanding more Kannada songs despite his extensive history of performing in the language.
Nigam emphasized his deep connection with Karnataka's culture and music through a detailed statement. He explained how he regularly prepares hour-long Kannada song sets for his concerts in the state.
"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 hour of Kannada songs that I prepare for every concert when in Karnataka," Nigam stated.
The singer described the incident that occurred at the beginning of his concert. "I am not a young lad to take humiliation from anyone. I am 51 years old, in the second half of my life and am entitled to take offence for someone as young as my son threatening me directly in front of thousands in the name of language that too Kannada which is my second language when it comes to my work. That too right after my first song of the concert! He provoked a few more. Their own people were embarrassed and were asking them to shut up,' he said.
Nigam detailed his attempts to handle the situation diplomatically. " 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 must let me continue with the concert the way I have planned. Every artiste has a song list prepared, so the musicians and technicians are in sync. But they were hell bent on creating ruckus and threatening me wildly. Tell me who is at fault? he said.
The singer concluded his statement by expressing his respect for Karnataka. "Being a patriot that I am, I loathe anyone trying to create hate in the name of language, caste or religion especially after what transpired in Pahalgam. I had to school them, and I did, and thousands of students and teachers cheered me for it. The matter got over and I sang Kannada for more than an hour. It's all there on social media."
Nigam expressed his willingness to accept the verdict of Karnataka's people and comply with law enforcement. "I leave it up to the sensible people of Karnataka to decide who is at fault here. I will accept your verdict gracefully. I fully respect and trust the law agencies and Police of Karnataka and will comply with whatever is expected from me. I have received divine love from Karnataka and will cherish it always with no malice whatsoever irrespective of your verdict."