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“Kannada, Kannada—that’s why Pahalgam happened”: Sonu Nigam’s remark triggers outrage

Though Nigam expressed his deep affection for Kannadigas, many found his comparison offensive and ill-timed, particularly in Karnataka, where linguistic pride and cultural identity hold significant importance

South First Desk

Published May 02, 2025 | 7:44 PM ⚊ Updated May 02, 2025 | 7:44 PM

“Kannada, Kannada—that’s why Pahalgam happened”: Sonu Nigam’s remark triggers outrage

“Kannada, Kannada—that’s why Pahalgam happened”: Sonu Nigam’s remark triggers outrage

Synopsis: Playback singer Sonu Nigam sparked outrage during a concert at East Point College in Bengaluru after likening a fan’s request for a Kannada song to the attitude behind the Pahalgam terror attack. Though he acknowledged his love for Kannada, his remark triggered backlash online, with many accusing him of disrespecting the language and culture, while some defended his intent

Playback singer Sonu Nigam has stirred a storm on social media after comments made during a college event in Bengaluru, where he appeared to liken a fan’s request for a Kannada song to the circumstances behind a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The incident took place at East Point College during a live concert, where a fan from the crowd reportedly asked Nigam to sing in Kannada. 

While initially acknowledging his deep connection with the language, Nigam’s response quickly turned controversial.

“I have sung songs in all languages, but the best ones I have sung are in Kannada. Whenever I come to Karnataka, I come with a lot of love and respect. You have accepted me like family,” Nigam said.

However, he followed it with a contentious remark: “I started singing Kannada songs before he [the fan] was even born. This kind of attitude — Kannada, Kannada — this is why the Pahalgam attack happened. At least see who’s in front of you before making such demands.”

While Nigam clarified he held deep love for Kannadigas, many saw his comparison as inappropriate and offensive, especially in a state with a strong linguistic identity.

Also Read: How non-locals in Bengaluru are learning Kannada

Social media divided over remarks 

The reaction online was swift and divided. Several users slammed the singer for “disrespecting” the language and community. 

Twitter user @Kanagalogy posted, “Look at this shameless Sonu Nigam ridiculing a fan for requesting a Kannada song and blaming languages for terrorist attacks… blaming Kannada for everything has become a trend among these Hindi chauvinists.”

Arun Javgal echoed similar sentiments, writing, “When asked to sing a Kannada song, he brought up a terror attack in Kashmir. What does that have to do with Kannada? Why is it so hard for North Indians to respect Kannada in Karnataka?” 

He added that Karnataka’s contributions to the nation, including military funding, were significant and deserved respect in return.

On the other hand, a section of fans defended Nigam. Hemanth Shaiva tweeted, “I grew up listening to Sonu Nigam and still do. No one can question his love for Kannada. He has contributed more to Kannada music than many others. He was simply asking us to stay united.”

The controversy has reignited debates around linguistic respect, regional identity, and cultural sensitivity — especially amid growing calls in Karnataka for greater recognition of Kannada in public and national discourse

(Edited by Ananya Rao)

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