Sonu Nigam Responds to FIR in Bengaluru Over Kannada Song Incident, Says He Was Threatened on Stage
Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam has responded to the controversy surrounding an FIR filed against him in Bengaluru, stating that he was “threatened” by a small group of individuals demanding he sing in Kannada during a recent live performance.
The incident, which has sparked a political and cultural stir, has led the singer to publicly clarify his position and urge against painting the entire Kannadiga community with the same brush.
The controversy unfolded during Nigam’s concert at a college in Bengaluru on April 25, where, according to multiple eyewitnesses and video footage, a handful of audience members began aggressively shouting “Kannada, Kannada” as the artist performed.
The situation escalated when Nigam reportedly retorted, “Kannada, Kannada. This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam,” — a reference that has since been interpreted by some as linking linguistic pride to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives.
The backlash intensified after Dharamaraj Ananthayya, president of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) — a pro-Kannada organization — lodged a formal police complaint.
In the FIR filed at Avalahalli Police Station, Ananthayya accused Nigam of insulting the Kannada language and equating cultural pride with terrorism, an action he called “deeply hurtful and inflammatory” to the people of Karnataka.
However, Nigam, 51, took to Instagram on Saturday to post a video defending himself and clarifying the context behind his remark. He explained that he was not opposed to singing in Kannada — a language he deeply respects and has performed in throughout his career — but was taken aback by the aggressive and threatening demeanor of a small group of disruptive individuals in the crowd.
“There were four to five goon-type people who were shouting ‘Kannada-Kannada’ angrily,” Nigam explained in his video message. “There were even girls in the audience who were pleading with them not to behave that way. It was not a request—it was a threat.”
Nigam expressed concern that such confrontational behavior during live performances could be intimidating and dangerous, not only for performers but also for other audience members who simply came to enjoy the show. He stressed the importance of not allowing a few disruptive elements to hijack public events, especially in a state known for its warmth and cultural richness.
“Let’s be clear — the terrorists in Pahalgam didn’t ask anyone which language they spoke before attacking. Hatred doesn’t come from language. It’s planted by people who want to divide others. Kannadigas are beautiful people. I love them. Please do not generalize because of the actions of a few,” Nigam said.
The singer also reminded viewers that some of the most cherished songs of his musical career have been in Kannada and that Karnataka has always treated him with warmth and affection, “like a member of the family.”
The FIR and ensuing controversy have drawn mixed reactions online, with some expressing support for Sonu Nigam and criticizing what they see as linguistic chauvinism, while others have questioned the tone and timing of his Pahalgam remark, saying it was inappropriate and insensitive.
For now, the police have registered a case and are reviewing evidence, including video footage from the event and witness accounts. No arrests or legal actions have been taken yet as the investigation continues.
Nigam has not indicated whether he will take legal recourse to challenge the FIR, but has said he hopes reason and understanding prevail over hatred and misunderstanding.
