May 8, 2025: Singer Sonu Nigam is in the midst of controversy after remarks made during his Bengaluru concert on April 25, 2025, went viral. A video clip from the event showed Nigam reportedly refusing to sing in Kannada and referencing the Pahalgam attack, which sparked a strong backlash from the Kannada community.
The fallout from the incident has been swift, with Nigam facing criticism from both fans and the Kannada film industry. As a result, the makers of the Kannada film Kuladalli Keelyavudo, in which Sonu Nigam had sung the song “Manasu Haadtade,” decided to remove the track from the film’s soundtrack. A press statement from the film’s team read: “There is no doubt that Sonu Nigam is a good singer. But we are very upset by how he spoke about Kannada recently at a concert. We cannot tolerate the insult Sonu Nigam has done to Kannada, so we have removed the song.”
Sonu’s song, which had been composed by Manomurthy and written by Yogaraj Bhat, had gained attention when it was released a month ago. However, the backlash has led the film’s team to rope in singer Chethan to re-record the song. Additionally, producer Santosh Kumar announced that he would not collaborate with Sonu Nigam for future projects due to the controversy.
The incident has fueled a larger debate on social media, with many Kannadigas expressing their anger over the singer’s remarks, while others have defended him. The matter is still unfolding, with Sonu’s actions under scrutiny from various quarters, including law enforcement.
Also Read: This Is What Gauri Khan Said If SRK Ever Cheat On Her Will Surprise You
This controversy has not only strained Sonu Nigam’s relationship with his Kannada fans but also led to significant professional repercussions. The situation highlights the complexities of celebrity actions and their potential impact on regional sentiments.