Playback singer Sonu Nigam came under fire after a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against him for allegedly making hurtful and provocative remarks against the Kannadiga community during a recent music event in Bengaluru. Despite the controversy, the singer has continued with his professional commitments and ongoing work promotions.
Taking to his social media handles, the singer promoted his new song for the movie 'April May 99'. Sharing the feel-good track, he described it as a "new anthem for that delicate feeling."
His post came after an FIR was filed by Dharmaraj A, President of the Bengaluru City District Unit of the pro-Kannada outfit Karnataka Rakshana Vedike. The complaint accuses Nigam of making “objectionable and emotionally provocative” statements at a musical performance held on April 25 and 26 in Virgonagar.
In the official complaint, Dharmaraj alleged that Nigam’s comments “deeply hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community,” and warned that the statements could incite inter-linguistic tensions and even provoke violence. A video clip of the incident, which has gone viral, shows Nigam reportedly stating: “Kannada, Kannada, Kannada — this is exactly why the incident happened in Pahalgam,” referring to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed.
Following outrage, the Bengaluru police have registered the FIR under Sections 351(2), 352(1), and 353 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertain to intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, assault, and criminal force to deter a public servant.
Investigations are currently underway.
In response, Sonu took to Instagram on Saturday to issue a video clarification, where he denied targeting the Kannadiga community. He said, “There were only 4-5 goons shouting. Thousands of others were respectful. Please do not generalise the entire Kannadiga community. Kannadigas are very nice people.”
He also defended his statement referencing the Pahalgam attack, explaining that it was made to highlight the dangers of linguistic extremism and to discourage coercion at public performances.
“It is important to stop people who provoke others. You cannot allow people to threaten you to make you sing,” he added, stating he had planned to perform several Kannada songs that evening.
Taking to his social media handles, the singer promoted his new song for the movie 'April May 99'. Sharing the feel-good track, he described it as a "new anthem for that delicate feeling."
His post came after an FIR was filed by Dharmaraj A, President of the Bengaluru City District Unit of the pro-Kannada outfit Karnataka Rakshana Vedike. The complaint accuses Nigam of making “objectionable and emotionally provocative” statements at a musical performance held on April 25 and 26 in Virgonagar.
In the official complaint, Dharmaraj alleged that Nigam’s comments “deeply hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community,” and warned that the statements could incite inter-linguistic tensions and even provoke violence. A video clip of the incident, which has gone viral, shows Nigam reportedly stating: “Kannada, Kannada, Kannada — this is exactly why the incident happened in Pahalgam,” referring to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed.
Following outrage, the Bengaluru police have registered the FIR under Sections 351(2), 352(1), and 353 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertain to intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, assault, and criminal force to deter a public servant.
Investigations are currently underway.
In response, Sonu took to Instagram on Saturday to issue a video clarification, where he denied targeting the Kannadiga community. He said, “There were only 4-5 goons shouting. Thousands of others were respectful. Please do not generalise the entire Kannadiga community. Kannadigas are very nice people.”
He also defended his statement referencing the Pahalgam attack, explaining that it was made to highlight the dangers of linguistic extremism and to discourage coercion at public performances.
“It is important to stop people who provoke others. You cannot allow people to threaten you to make you sing,” he added, stating he had planned to perform several Kannada songs that evening.
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