Sonu Nigam faces KFCC backlash over Kannada remark; singer issues emotional response

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has announced a 'non-cooperation' campaign against singer Sonu Nigam following his controversial remark during a concert in Bengaluru. The move comes after Nigam reportedly responded to a request to sing in Kannada by saying, “Kannada, Kannada. This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam,” referencing a terror attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people, including two from Karnataka.

KFCC President M Narasimhulu said the decision will stand until Nigam tenders an unconditional apology to the people of Karnataka. “There will be non-cooperation with Sonu Nigam across Karnataka. It's just like a ban,” he stated, adding that attempts to reach out to the singer were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.

Dharma Vish, General Secretary of the Karnataka Film Musicians' Association, said the issue is not about Nigam’s talent but the insensitivity of his comment. “Comparing a person or people from a state to terrorists is extremely damaging,” he said.


In response, Sonu Nigam issued a statement reiterating his respect for the Kannada people while defending his actions during the April 25 concert. He said he felt “threatened” by a small group of young men who repeatedly demanded that he sing in Kannada, disrupting the concert from the very start.

“I am 51 years old and not someone who will quietly accept humiliation. I told them politely that I would not let them down but needed to proceed with my set list. They refused to listen and created a ruckus. Who is at fault here?” Nigam asked.

Nigam also clarified that he sang Kannada songs for more than an hour after the incident and that many in the audience, including students and teachers, supported him. He added that he would fully cooperate with the Karnataka police, who registered an FIR against him on May 3.

“I leave it up to the sensible people of Karnataka to decide who is at fault. I trust the law and will comply with whatever is expected of me,” he said, urging people not to generalise based on the actions of a few.

He concluded by stressing his opposition to hatred based on language, caste, or religion, especially in light of the recent terror attack that deeply affected the nation.