Sonu Nigam’s Song Pulled from Kannada Film Two Days After His Apology

Sonu Nigam is facing strong backlash from the Kannada film industry following controversy in a recent concert in Bengaluru. The singer allegedly linked a fan’s repeated request to sing in Kannada to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, drawing widespread criticism. Despite issuing a public apology, the fallout has been swift.

Nigam had sung Manasu Haadtade for the upcoming Kannada film Kuladalli Keelyavudo, directed by K Ramnarayan, with music by Manomurthy and lyrics by Yogaraj Bhat. The song had already generated buzz ahead of the film’s release. However, the film’s team has now officially removed the track.

In a press note, the makers said, “There is no doubt that Sonu Nigam is a talented singer. But we are deeply hurt by what he said about Kannada at his concert. We cannot accept the disrespect he has shown toward our language, and so we’ve decided to remove the song.”

The team has now brought in Kannada playback singer Chethan to re-record the track. Additionally, producer Santosh Kumar confirmed that he will not work with Sonu Nigam in any future projects.

The controversy began at a concert in Bengaluru when a student repeatedly requested that Nigam sing in Kannada. The singer reportedly took offense to the demand and responded, “I had started singing Kannada songs even before he was born. This is why the Pahalgam attack happened… for such an attitude. At least see who is in front of you before making such demands.”

His remarks quickly went viral and were condemned by various sections of the public and the Kannada film industry. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) soon stepped in, advising industry members to cut all professional ties with the singer.

Following the backlash, Nigam initially defended his reaction, claiming that he had a setlist that included Kannada songs and that he was intimidated by a group of aggressive young men during the performance. “Four to five goon-like people threatened me right after my first song, demanding I sing in Kannada. I’m not a youngster who’ll quietly take such humiliation,” he said in a statement.

Eventually, he apologised, saying, “My love for Karnataka is bigger than my ego.”

However, the controversy didn’t end there. An FIR was filed against Nigam for linking the incident to the Pahalgam terror attack. Karnataka police have issued him a notice for questioning, following by further action expected once forensic experts review video footage from the event.