Sonu Nigam Continues Work Promotions Following FIR Over Alleged Hurtful Remarks
Despite being hit with a First Information Report (FIR) for allegedly making offensive comments about the Kannadiga community during a recent concert in Bengaluru, playback singer Sonu Nigam is pushing forward with his professional commitments and ongoing promotions. The controversy kicked off during a musical event on April 25th and 26th at East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Virgonagar, Bengaluru.
According to a complaint lodged by Dharmaraj A, the President of the Bengaluru City District Unit of the pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), Nigam supposedly made “objectionable and emotionally provocative” remarks after an audience member asked him to sing a Kannada song. Reports indicate that Nigam responded by linking the request for a Kannada song to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 tourists lost their lives.
A video of the incident quickly went viral, intensifying the backlash. In the clip, Nigam can be heard saying, “Kannada, Kannada, Kannada — this is exactly why the incident happened in Pahalgam.” Many interpreted this statement as an insult to the Kannadiga community, suggesting that their pride in their language was tied to violence and intolerance.
The FIR, filed at the Avalahalli Police Station in Bengaluru, reportedly includes charges related to promoting enmity between different groups, criminal intimidation, intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace, and public mischief under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
In response to the FIR, Sonu Nigam took to social media to clarify his position. In a video message, he explained that his comments were aimed at a small group of individuals in the audience who were “rudely and threateningly” insisting that he sing in Kannada. He pointed out that only “4-5 goon-type people” were shouting, while the thousands of others present were respectful. Nigam urged the public not to judge the entire Kannadiga community based on the actions of a few.
