Sonu Nigam apologises after comparing Kannada song demand to Pahalgam attack

Singer Sonu Nigam has apologised to the people of Karnataka for his controversial remark comparing the demand for Kannada songs to the Pahalgam terror attack. The singer shared his apology in a video after speaking to Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) state president TA Narayana Gowda, who said the organisation would call off its protest following the apology.Narayana Gowda shared the video on X on October 19, saying Sonu had understood how his earlier comment had hurt Kannadigas and had offered an unconditional apology.In the video, Sonu addressed the people of Karnataka as his family and said he did not want a misunderstanding to damage their relationship.“My dear Karnataka family, Thanna Kannadigaru. My truth is known to me, my Almighty, my Bhagwan, and to all the people who were there in the audience that eventful evening. Nevertheless, I've had a beautiful chat with Shri Narayana Gowda ji. He's a wonderful person, and we've had a very warm and, uh, respectful discussion. I have a lot of regard for him,” he said. Explaining why he was apologising, the singer added, “When you love someone, and you want the relationship to stay, you don't mind saying sorry 1000 times. So my dear family, if anything I've said inadvertently that has hurt you, I am so sorry for it.”He further said that people in Karnataka had given him love and respect for three decades and that he did not want a misunderstanding to affect that bond. “You know I'm not the kind of person who's ever hurt anyone, at least my family from Karnataka. You have given me so much love and so much respect in the last 30 years that I don't want any kind of little misunderstanding taint that relationship and cause any kind of bitterness. Lots of love to all of you. May God bless you, and I love you,” he said.KRV calls off protest after apologySharing the video, Narayana Gowda said Sonu had spoken to him and acknowledged that his remarks had hurt Kannadigas. He added that there was no personal animosity towards the singer, whose songs people in Karnataka had enjoyed for years.Narayana Gowda also said that the organisation's protest was a response to the remark and that it was time to put the controversy behind them.He referred to legendary singers such as Ghantasala, PB Srinivas, Yesudas, S Janaki, Vani Jairam and KS Chithra, who were not Kannadigas but had contributed to Kannada film music and were loved by audiences in the state.. . . . . , . . , . . . , . , . , , . , , . . . . . . . . . , . , .— .. | Narayanagowdru T.A. (@narayanagowdru) October 19, 2026Calling music a source of comfort, he said he hoped Sonu would sing more Kannada songs and perform in Karnataka. He added that the KRV would end its protest following the apology.What was the controversy?The controversy began in April 2025, when Sonu was performing at a musical event at East Point Engineering College in Bengaluru. Some members of the audience repeatedly asked him to sing a Kannada song.The singer responded on stage with a remark comparing the insistence on Kannada songs to the Pahalgam terror attack. His comment triggered widespread criticism from Kannadigas and pro-Kannada organisations, who accused him of insulting their language and sentiments.The KRV subsequently filed a complaint against the singer at Avalahalli police station in Bengaluru. An FIR was registered against him.As the backlash grew, Sonu released a video explaining his remarks. He said a few young men in the audience had been aggressive and had appeared to threaten him while demanding a Kannada song. He maintained that his comment was directed at their behaviour, rather than at Kannadigas as a whole.However, his explanation failed to calm the anger, and the controversy continued.The issue resurfaced ahead of Sonu's scheduled concert at Bengaluru's Bharatiya Mall on October 24, 2026. Narayana Gowda had written to the Bengaluru police commissioner, urging the authorities not to grant permission for the event, alleging that the singer had insulted Kannadigas.Sonu's apology has now prompted the KRV to call off its protest, bringing the latest chapter of the controversy to a close.- Ends