A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against singer Sonu Nigam at the Avalahalli Police Station in Bengaluru for allegedly making provocative statements that hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas.
The complaint, lodged on Friday night, comes under Sections 352(1), 352(2), and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deal with intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace and assault or criminal force to deter a public servant.
The controversy erupted during Nigam’s live performance at East Point College in Virgonagar, where an exchange with a fan escalated unexpectedly.
Why is Sonu Nigam facing backlash?
The incident began when an audience member requested that Nigam sing a Kannada song. Perceiving the tone of the request as disrespectful, the singer responded sharply, saying, “I had started singing Kannada songs even before he was born,” and added controversially, “This is why the Pahalgam attack happened — for such kind of an attitude. At least see who is in front of you before making such demands.”
Nigam’s reference to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, was widely condemned as insensitive and inappropriate. His remarks quickly went viral, sparking backlash on social media and from several local Kannada groups, who called the comments “deeply offensive.”
What Sonu Nigam said in his defence?
In his defense, Sonu Nigam emphasized his longstanding connection with the Kannada music industry. “Whenever I perform here, I feel like I’m with family,” he said. “Even when I perform abroad, I make it a point to sing at least one Kannada song.” Nigam, who rose to prominence in Karnataka with popular tracks from films like Mungaru Male, Milana, and Gaalipata, said his comments were not meant to demean Kannada culture but were a reaction to perceived rudeness.