Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, May 6: Playback singer Sonu Nigam has issued a public apology to the people of Karnataka after facing severe backlash over a controversial comment made during a live performance in Bengaluru. The apology comes days after the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) imposed a professional ban on the singer.
Posting on his official Instagram account, Nigam wrote, "Sorry Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego. Love you always." The statement appears to be a response to growing calls for an unconditional apology from the singer.
The KFCC had earlier announced a non-cooperation policy, with chairman M Narasimhalu confirming that all departments of the chamber unanimously agreed to boycott the singer until he apologized publicly. “We will review the situation again in the coming days and decide on further action,” he said.
The controversy erupted on May 1, when Sonu Nigam, while performing at East Point College in Virgonagar, stopped his act after an audience member insisted he sing a Kannada song. Reacting sharply, Nigam allegedly remarked, “It is because of such behaviour that incidents like the Pahalgam attack happen.” The comment was widely condemned for being insensitive and offensive to Kannada speakers.
Following the incident, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike filed a police complaint against Nigam, accusing him of fuelling linguistic tensions. An FIR was registered at Avalahalli police station, and the Bengaluru Rural Police have since served a notice asking him to appear before investigators within a week.
Earlier, the singer had posted an open letter on social media stating he would let the people of Karnataka judge his actions and would accept their verdict with grace.