Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam has found himself at the center of controversy after a video of him making controversial remarks during a recent performance in Bengaluru went viral. The remarks, which allegedly linked a fan’s request for him to sing in Kannada to the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, have sparked outrage and led to a police complaint being filed against the singer.
The complaint was lodged by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a pro-Kannada organization, in Bengaluru. The group accused Nigam of insulting the Kannadiga community by associating a simple cultural request with a terrorist act. The complaint alleges that the singer’s comments could incite hatred between linguistic communities in Karnataka and provoke violence.
The Controversial Remarks
The incident took place during a musical event at East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Virgonagar, Bengaluru, on April 25-26, 2025. In the video that surfaced online, Sonu Nigam was seen discussing an interaction with a fan who had requested him to sing a Kannada song. The fan reportedly “threatened” the singer to sing in Kannada, which led to Nigam’s reaction.
In the video, Nigam is heard saying, “Mujhe 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 further added, “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” (This is the reason for what happened in Pahalgam. This is the reason, what you did just now. Look at who is standing in front of you).
These comments quickly caught the attention of social media users, who criticized Nigam for making such a comparison between a fan’s request and a horrific terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The terror attack, which took place on April 22, 2025, was a major tragedy, with the victims mostly being tourists. The incident caused widespread grief and outrage, and has also led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
Allegations and Fallout
In the complaint filed by the President of the Bengaluru city district of KRV, the organization condemned Nigam’s remarks, claiming they misrepresented the Kannadiga community and could further divide people along linguistic lines. The complaint read, “Sonu Nigam’s statements have caused severe distress to the Kannadiga community. By equating a simple cultural request to sing a Kannada song with a terrorist act, Shri Nigam has portrayed Kannadigas as intolerant or violent, which is contrary to their peace-loving and harmonious nature.”
While Sonu Nigam attempted to clarify that he loved the Kannada language and the Kannadiga people, his comments about the Pahalgam attack have raised strong concerns about the potential harm they could cause to inter-community relations.
Sonu Nigam’s Response
Following the backlash, Sonu Nigam expressed his love and respect for the Kannada language and the people of Karnataka. However, he did not publicly retract his statement about the Pahalgam attack, which continues to be a sensitive issue in India.
The incident highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping public opinion and the increasing scrutiny celebrities face regarding their public statements. Nigam’s comments have sparked a debate on the responsibilities of public figures when it comes to making remarks that could be seen as divisive or insensitive.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: A National Tragedy
The Pahalgam terror attack remains one of the most tragic events of 2025, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident was widely condemned across the country, and investigations have pointed to the involvement of cross-border terrorism. The attack has significantly strained relations between India and Pakistan, leading to diplomatic discussions on measures to counter terrorism.
The Legal and Social Implications
Sonu Nigam’s remarks have not only triggered a legal complaint but have also sparked a broader conversation about the role of celebrities in shaping public discourse. As the police investigate the matter, the controversy surrounding Nigam’s comments continues to unfold, with many calling for a more responsible approach from public figures when addressing sensitive topics.
Sources By Agencies
