‘Love bigger than ego’: Sonu Nigam apologises for Kannada-Pahalgam remark
A video of the singer’s remark, wherein he purportedly likened a Kannada song request by an audience member to the Pahalgam terror attack, has gone viral
Following huge social media backlash, especially from pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka and a summons by Bengaluru Rural Police for questioning, singer Sonu Nigam has issued an apology for his allegedly derogatory remarks against Kannadigas during a concert in Bengaluru held on April 25-26.
“Sorry Karnataka. My Love for you, is bigger than my Ego. Love you always,” posted Nigam on his Instagram handle.
FIR lodged
The development comes following an FIR registered against the singer at the Avalahalli Police Station on May 3 based on a complaint lodged by Dharmaraj A, the Bengaluru city district unit president of a pro-Kannada organization, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.
In his complaint, Dharmaraj alleged that Nigam by making “objectionable and emotionally provocative” remarks hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas and incited hatred on the lines of language among linguistic groups in Karnataka. Nigam has been booked under Sections 351(2), 352(1), and 353 of the IPC in the FIR.
Also Read: Police summon Sonu Nigam for questioning over Kannada-Pahalgam remark
Controversial remark
The singer kicked up a storm after a video of his remark, where he purportedly likened equating a song request in Kannada by an audience member to the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people dead, went viral.
"There were four-five goon-type people who were shouting 'Kannada-Kannada' angrily. There were girls who were requesting them not to shout like that, asking them not to disturb the scene. It's important to tell those four-five people that terrorists in Pahalgam didn't ask the language of the people...,” Nigam was heard saying in the video.
Also Read: Group of boys in audience threatened me to sing in Kannada: Sonu Nigam after FIR
KFCC boycott
Following his remark, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced that it has decided to boycott Nigam till he issues a public apology.
“The entire Karnataka state, all regions will not cooperate with Sonu Nigam. It’s as good as a ban,” said Narasimhalu, president of the KFCC as quoted by the media.
Earlier, the singer had tried to explain his actions saying that he was not a “young lad” who would tolerate insult from anyone, adding that a youth, almost the same age as his son, was threatening him in front of a large audience in the name of a language, that too Kannada, in which he sang a large number of songs.