Sonu Nigam has issued an apology to the people of Karnataka following a controversial comment he made regarding the demand for Kannada songs, which he compared to the Pahalgam terror attack. The singer shared his apology in a video after discussions with TA Narayana Gowda, the state president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV). Following this apology, the KRV announced it would cancel its planned protest.

Narayana Gowda posted the video on X on October 19, stating that Sonu had acknowledged the hurt his comments had caused to the Kannadiga community and had offered an unconditional apology. In the video, Sonu referred to the people of Karnataka as his family, expressing a desire to maintain a harmonious relationship and avoid any misunderstandings.

In his message, Sonu stated, “My dear Karnataka family, Thanna Kannadigaru. My truth is known to me, my Almighty, my Bhagwan, and to all the people who were there in the audience that eventful evening.” He emphasised the importance of his relationship with Karnataka and expressed regret for any inadvertent hurt his words may have caused.

Background of the Controversy

The controversy originated in April 2025 during a performance at East Point Engineering College in Bengaluru, where some audience members insisted that he sing a Kannada song. In response, Sonu made a remark that compared the insistence to the Pahalgam terror attack, which sparked significant backlash from the local community and pro-Kannada organisations. Many accused him of disrespecting their language and sentiments.

In reaction to the comments, the KRV filed a complaint against Sonu at the Avalahalli police station in Bengaluru, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against him. As criticism mounted, Sonu released a video attempting to clarify his remarks, stating that his comment was aimed at a few aggressive individuals in the audience rather than the entire Kannadiga community. However, this explanation did not quell the anger surrounding the incident.

The issue gained renewed attention ahead of Sonu’s scheduled concert at Bengaluru’s Bharatiya Mall on October 24, 2026. Narayana Gowda had reached out to the Bengaluru police commissioner, requesting that permission for the concert be denied due to the singer’s previous remarks, which he deemed offensive to Kannadigas.

Resolution and Future Prospects

Following Sonu’s apology, Narayana Gowda stated that the KRV would end its protest, indicating a desire to move past the controversy. He acknowledged that there was no personal animosity towards Sonu, who has been a popular figure in Karnataka for many years. Narayana Gowda highlighted the contributions of various legendary singers who, despite not being Kannadigas, had significantly impacted Kannada film music.

In his video, Sonu expressed his gratitude for the love and respect he has received from the people of Karnataka over the past three decades. He reiterated his commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with the community, saying, “I don’t want any kind of little misunderstanding to taint that relationship and cause any kind of bitterness.”

As the KRV calls off its protest, there is hope that Sonu Nigam will continue to engage with the Kannada music scene and perform more in Karnataka. The resolution of this incident marks a significant step towards healing any rifts that may have developed between the singer and the Kannadiga community.

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