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Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam has issued a clarification following an argument at his recent Bengaluru concert, where he faced backlash for comments made in response to a fan’s demand for a Kannada song. The incident, which sparked widespread debate, led to an FIR being filed against the singer for allegedly making provocative statements that hurt the emotions of the Kannadiga community.
Sonu Nigam CLARIFIES Pahalgam remark at Bengaluru concert: “Jab pant utari gayi thi, toh bhasha nahin poochhi gayi thi”
Through the concert on April 25 at East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Bengaluru, a fan repeatedly shouted for a Kannada song, which Nigam perceived as disruptive and rude. In a viral video, the singer paused his performance to deal with the audience, expressing his love for Kannada culture and his history of singing Kannada songs. Nonetheless, his reference to the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 civilian lives, stirred controversy. Nigam stated, “Yahi kaaran hai, Pahalgam mein jo hua hai na. Dekho toh kaun saamne khada hai,” implying that such disruptive behavior could have broader consequences. Many interpreted this as equating the fan’s request to terrorism, prompting outrage amongst Kannada activists and netizens.
On Saturday, May 3, Nigam took to Instagram to share a video clarifying his remarks. He emphasized that his comments were directed at a small group of 4 or five individuals who were causing a disturbance, not your entire Kannadiga community. “Sirf chaar-panch gunday type the jo wahan pe chilla rahe the. The truth is, wahan ke hazaron log unko mana bhi kar rahe the,” he said, noting that 1000’s of other attendees, including women, were urging the group to stop disrupting the event.
Nigam reiterated his respect for Kannadigas, stating, “Kannadigas are very sweet people,” but stressed the necessity to deal with the disruptive behavior. He further clarified his Pahalgam remark, saying, “Unn paachon ko yeh batana aur yaad dilana zarori tha ke Pahalgam mein jab pant utari gayi thi, toh bhasha nahi poochhi gayi thi,” referring to the phobia attack where victims were targeted indiscriminately, no matter language or identity.
The controversy escalated when the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada group, lodged a criticism with the Avalahalli Police Station, resulting in an FIR under Section 153 for intentional insults intended to impress a breach of peace. The group argued that Nigam’s statements portrayed Kannadigas as intolerant, contrary to their peace-loving nature, and demanded an apology.
Also Read: Police criticism filed against Sonu Nigam over alleged insensitive remarks towards Kannada community
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