Singer Sonu Nigam has found himself at the centre of controversy after an unexpected outburst during a concert at East Point College in Virgonagar, Bengaluru. The incident unfolded when a fan in the audience requested him to sing a Kannada song. Nigam took offence to the tone of the request, calling it “rude” and even drawing a controversial parallel to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.

“I had started singing Kannada songs even before he was born,” Nigam said. “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,” he added, expressing his displeasure on stage.

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Public outrage 

Social media users and fans were quick to express shock and disappointment at Nigam’s remarks, calling the comparison to a terror attack “bizarre” and “insensitive.” Many accused the singer of overreacting to a seemingly harmless request and trivialising a national tragedy.

What Sonu Nigam said in his defence?

Despite the backlash, Nigam defended his connection with Karnataka, stating his deep respect for the state and its people. He recalled the love he has received from Kannada-speaking fans throughout his career. The singer rose to prominence in the Kannada film industry after delivering chart-topping numbers in films like Mungaru Male (2006), Milana (2007), and Gaalipata (2008).

“Whenever I perform here, I feel like I’m with family,” he said. “Even abroad, I make it a point to sing at least one Kannada song.”

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Social media backlash

One user on X reacted sharply, writing, “Wow, comparing it to terrorism? That’s an absurd exaggeration. Do they even have any common sense?” 

Another user added, “I’m not someone who usually argues about language, but it was just a small request from a fan. Sonu Nigam has sung amazing Kannada songs, so it felt like a normal request. I don’t understand what made him react like that — it was completely unacceptable.”