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India Today
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Sonu Nigam moves Karnataka High Court to quash case over Bengaluru concert remarks
Playback singer Sonu Nigam has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash an FIR registered against him at the Avalahalli police station in Bengaluru Rural district. The FIR was filed following allegations that he made objectionable remarks during a recent music concert, allegedly hurting the sentiments of matter was heard by the vacation bench presided over by Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar, who adjourned the hearing to May Avalahalli police, who are currently investigating the case, have issued a notice to Nigam, summoning him for questioning in connection with the remarks. The singer is facing legal action under the FIR for his alleged comments made during the performance. The court is expected to take up the matter next controversy stems from an incident at a concert held at East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Bengaluru on April 25 and 26, where Nigam allegedly responded to a fan's demand for a Kannada song by linking the aggressive behavior to incidents like Pahalgam terror attack, thereby allegedly portraying Kannadigas in a negative light. In a viral video from Nigam's concert in East Point College, Bengaluru, he could be seen schooling the person asking him to sing a song in Kannada. During the concert, a fan screamed at him, demanding a song in Kannada. The singer paused, addressed the crowd, and humbly expressed his love for the language. He said he respects the people of Karnataka, but felt 'threatened' by the tone of the fan. He also recalled the Pahalgam terrorist attack which claimed 26 lives, and 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)."advertisementIn response to the backlash, Nigam issued a public apology, stating, 'Sorry Karnataka', and clarified that his remarks were not intended to offend the Kannada-speaking community. He emphasised that his comments were directed at a few individuals who disrupted the event, not at the entire his clarification, Nigam said, 'Some people approached the stage and were very aggressive, demanding a Kannada song. I told them they could have requested politely. I've sung hundreds of Kannada songs. I wasn't refusing.' He reportedly said he was 'threatened by a group of boys' to sing in Kannada, which drew criticism and eventually led to legal the days following the incident, Kannada film director K Ramnarayan announced that a song sung by Sonu Nigam for his upcoming film Kuladalli Keelyavudo had been dropped. 'Just saying sorry is not enough. He must face the consequences,' the filmmaker said, adding that another singer would re-record the track. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka#Bengaluru
Hindustan Times
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Singer Sonu Nigam moves Karnataka HC for quashing of FIR
Singer Sonu Nigam approached the Karnataka high court on Tuesday seeking to quash a first information report (FIR) registered against him for allegedly making objectionable remarks during a music concert in Bengaluru. The FIR, lodged at Avalahalli police station, accuses Nigam of hurting the sentiments of the Kannadiga community during his performance at East Point College in the city on April 25-26. The matter came up before a vacation bench of Justice Shivashankar Amarannavar on Tuesday and the court posted the case for further hearing on May 15. The FIR, registered on May 3, follows a complaint filed by pro-Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and its member, one Dharma Raj Ananthaiha. Also Read: Sonu Nigam Karnataka concert row explained: From taking 'offence', having FIRs filed against him to finally apologising The complaint alleges that Nigam's comments during the event equated an audience request to sing a Kannada song with the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, thereby portraying Kannadigas as intolerant or violent. Ananthaiha, claimed in his complaint that such statements had caused severe distress to the community. Nigam has been charged under Sections 351, 352, and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for the offences of criminal intimidation, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, and making statements that can to public mischief, respectively. In his petition, Nigam has sought to quash both the complaint dated May 2 and the FIR dated May 3. As interim relief, he has requested a stay on further investigation into the case. The controversy began when Nigam, during the concert, reportedly declined demands from a group of audience members to sing in Kannada, leading to a confrontation. In a video message later posted on social media, the singer clarified his stance and defended himself, saying that a group of boys at the event had rudely threatened him to sing in Kannada while he was performing Hindi songs. Nigam eventually made a public statement claiming he has deep love for Karnataka and Kannadigas, and that his words were misrepresented.
News18
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sonu Nigam's Song Dropped From Kannada Film Amid Backlash Over Pahalgam Remarks
Last Updated: Sonu Nigam faces backlash from the Kannada film industry after referencing the Pahalgam terror attack during a Bengaluru concert. Playback singer Sonu Nigam is facing backlash from the Kannada film industry after an incident at his recent concert in Bengaluru. The controversy began when Nigam reacted to repeated song requests in Kannada and referenced the Pahalgam terror attack during his response. This has now led to his removal from the upcoming Kannada film Kuladalli Keelyavudo. The filmmakers confirmed that Nigam's song Manasu Haadtade has been removed from the film. Directed by K Ramnarayan, the song was composed by Manomurthy and written by Yogaraj Bhat, and it had already created some buzz before the controversy. The makers of the film issued a statement that read, 'There is no doubt that Sonu Nigam is a good singer. But, we are very upset by how he spoke about Kannada recently at a concert. We cannot tolerate the insult Sonu Nigam has done to Kannada, so we have removed the song." Kannada singer Chethan has been brought in to re-record the song. The film's producer, Santosh Kumar, also announced that he will not collaborate with Sonu Nigam in the future. Sonu Nigam Kannada Controversy Meanwhile, Sonu Nigam has issued a formal clarification following the backlash over his recent comments at a concert in Bengaluru. The controversy stems from an incident on April 25, 2025, at East Point College, where the singer reacted to a Kannada song request from a fan and referenced the Pahalgam terror attack during his response. In the wake of the incident, the Avalahalli Police issued a formal notice to Nigam, summoning him to appear for an inquiry within a week. Responding to it, the singer posted a detailed statement on Monday, breaking his silence and offering his version of the events. An excerpt from his statement read, '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 after my first song of the concert! He provoked a few more. Their own people were embarrassed and were asking them to shut up." 'Tell me who is at fault?" Nigam questioned, adding, '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." He said that 'thousands of students and teachers cheered' him when he schooled them. First Published:
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sonu Nigam Karnataka concert row explained: From taking ‘offence', having FIRs filed against him to finally apologising
As singer Sonu Nigam went to perform at the East Point College in Bengaluru, he didn't know that the concert would ignite a massive controversy. During the event, Sonu claimed, a bunch of boys threatened him to sing in Kannada when he sang Hindi songs. He refused to agree with their demand. Though Sonu reiterated his love for Karnataka and its people, explained what exactly transpired at the event, he had to face the ire of a section of the people and the police. The event took place on April 25-26. (Also Read | Sonu Nigam finally apologises for remarks at Bengaluru show; fans say: 'Karnataka, you've done very wrong to him') Sonu Nigam found himself in the middle of a row after the Bengaluru show.(AFP) A video emerged on Instagram a few days ago in which Sonu said that he was threatened by a few people. "I have sung songs in all languages. But the best songs that I have sung in my life are Kannada accha nahi laga ki waha ek ladka jiski umar, jitni uske umar nahi hogi use pehle toh main Kannada gaane garaha hoon (I didn't like the boy whose age, I have been singing Kannada songs before he was born). He was so rudely threatening me, 'Kannada, Kannada'. Yahi kaaran hai, Pahalgam mein jo hua hai na? Yahi kaaran hai jo karrahe ho, jo kiya tha na abhi? Dekho toh kaun saamne khada hai. I love Kannadigas, I love you guys (This is the reason what happened in Pahalgam. This is the reason, what you did just now. Look at first who is standing in front of you)." (READ FULL STORY HERE) An FIR was registered at the Avalahalli Police Station in Bengaluru against Sonu for reportedly retorting, "Kannada. Kannada. This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam," in response to an audience member's request to sing in Kannada. The complaint was lodged by Dharmaraj A, the president of the Bengaluru City District Unit of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organization. The FIR was registered under Sections 351(2), 352(I), and 353 of the Indian Penal Code. The complaint accused Sonu of making "objectionable and emotionally provocative" statements that have hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community and incited hatred among various linguistic communities in Karnataka. Sonu breaks silence after FIR Following the FIR, Sonu explained in a video posted on Instagram that a group of four to five individuals had caused disturbance during his event by shouting and threatening him to sing in Kannada. He clarified that while there were isolated disruptions, the majority of the audience was supportive and, in fact, women in the crowd even intervened, calling out the troublemakers. In the video, he had also said, ...it was very important to remind them that no one asked for the language when the pants were taken off in the Pahalgam incident... Kannadigas are very nice people. Don't think there's any wave or movement; there are always a few bad people everywhere. I'm sure of it." (READ FULL STORY HERE) Protest against, notice for Sonu Karnataka Rakshana Vedike recently staged a protest against Sonu at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Pro-Kannada organisations have demanded that Sonu apologise. The Bengaluru District Police on Monday issued a notice to Sonu, asking him to appear before the investigation officer within a week. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Monday announced a 'non-cooperation' campaign against Sonu. (READ FULL STORY HERE) Sonu issues statement reiterating his say on the row On Monday, Sonu, in a statement, reiterated his love for the Kannada people but felt compelled to confront the young men who "threatened" him during a live concert over language issues. In the statement posted on Instagram, the singer said he will cooperate with the police authorities of Karnataka in the matter and always "cherish the love" he has received from the people of the state, irrespective of the verdict. "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," read a part of his note. As a patriot, Sonu said, he loathes anyone trying to create hate in the name of "language, caste or religion", especially after the terror attack in Pahalgam which claimed the lives of 26 people, including two from Karnataka. (READ FULL STORY HERE) Sonu apologises On Monday night, Sonu issued an apology to the citizens of Karnataka. Taking to his Instagram, the singer shared an apology and wrote, " Sorry Karnataka. My Love for you, is bigger than my Ego. Love you always." The singer is known for songs such as Sandese Aate Hai, Yeh Dil Deewana, Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin, Dil Dooba, and No Entry, among many others. Sonu has sung many Kannada songs such as Gamanisu, Midiva Ninna, Andaje Siguthilla, Ninna Nodo, Neenu Banda Mele and Nijaana Naanena among many others.
News18
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Police Pressure, Impending Ban From Kannada Films Prompt Sonu Nigam To Apologise For 'Inappropriate' Remarks
Before issuing the apology, six hours ago, he offered a detailed explanation about his comments at the performance. Bengaluru police said their investigation 'prima facie" indicates that Sonu Nigam may have offended Kannadigas. 'The performance of the singer on the 25th at East Point College has been carefully reviewed. Prima facie, it appears that an audience member requested a Kannada song, and what the singer said in response was inappropriate and hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. We are now analysing videos from various sources and also speaking to the organisers of the event," Bengaluru Superintendent of Police (Rural) CK Baba told News18, adding that the police have issued a notice to the singer to appear before the investigating officer within the next seven days. The controversy, meanwhile, has snowballed with both Nigam and the pro-Kannada organisation, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), digging in their heels over the video of what transpired during the show. In his first statement – a video – Nigam said he felt 'threatened" and that a group of boys heckled him. In his second statement, he said: '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." The KRV, after lodging a complaint against the singer, submitted a memorandum to the Karnataka director general of police seeking 'the immediate arrest of Sonu Nigam for his insulting remarks against Kannadigas and for connecting it with the Pahalgam incident". The Bengaluru rural police have filed an FIR and served a notice to the singer to appear for investigation within a week. 'We have made three demands. First, arrest Sonu Nigam immediately. Second, conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future. Third, legal action should be taken immediately against any person who makes irresponsible, divisive, derogatory, and insulting statements against Kannadigas," said KRV president Narayan Gowda. 'He has made such an offensive statement linking Pahalgam – why can't he apologise to the crores of Kannadigas?" questioned Arun Javagal, organising secretary of KRV. Nigam's explanation, posted on social media, gives details of the incident. In an earlier video, he had said there was a need to 'teach the boys who spoke rudely, a lesson" when they asked him to sing songs in Kannada. The post, however, skirts the Pahalgam reference, but he insists he is a 'patriot" and not someone who will accept humiliation from anyone. Here's what he said: 'I'VE REVERED KANNADA SONGS MORE THAN OTHERS' His long note begins with: 'Namaskara, 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 hundreds of videos circulating on social media as testimony. I have more than an hour's worth of Kannada songs that I prepare for every concert in Karnataka." 'NOT A YOUNG LAD TO TAKE HUMILIATION FROM ANYONE' '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 at someone as young as my son threatening me directly in front of thousands – in the name of a language that too 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. I told them very politely and lovingly that the show had just started, it was my first song, and that I will not let them down – but they have to let me continue 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?" the note stated. advetisement
