Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam has responded to an FIR registered against him following his recent performance at the East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Virgonagar, Bengaluru, where he was accused of making remarks that allegedly hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community.
The incident occurred during the college’s annual fest held on April 25 and 26. According to reports, the controversy began when a young man in the audience allegedly insisted that Nigam sing in Kannada. This led to a heated exchange, and the singer reportedly made remarks that some found disrespectful and emotionally provocative.
An FIR was filed on May 3 by Dharmaraj A, President of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organisation. The complaint states that Nigam’s comments during the event were “objectionable and emotionally provocative,” claiming they could incite communal discord and provoke violence among linguistic groups. The FIR has been registered under Sections 351(2), 352(I), and 353 of the Indian Penal Code, relating to assault, use of criminal force, and obstructing a public servant in discharge of duty.
In response, Sonu Nigam took to social media to share his version of the events through a self-recorded video posted on Instagram. The singer clarified that only a small group of individuals—“four to five goons,” as he described them—created a disturbance during the show by shouting and threatening him to sing in Kannada.
“There were only 4–5 goons who were shouting. Thousands of people were stopping them. I remember the girls were shouting at them, ‘Don’t disturb the scene,’” Nigam said in his video. He stressed that the larger audience was supportive and that the incident was being blown out of proportion.
Nigam also drew attention to the dangers of allowing such provocations to escalate. “It’s important to stop people who provoke others because it becomes a bigger issue later. In a land of love, if someone is sowing the seeds of hatred, you must stop them. We will have to cut this crop later,” he said.
Addressing the Kannadiga community directly, the singer said, “Kannadigas are very nice people. Don’t think there’s any wave or movement; there are always a few bad people everywhere. I’m sure of it.”
He further explained that the confrontation happened shortly after the concert began. “Not even half an hour into the show, after the first song, they started looking at me—not demanding, but threatening,” he said, suggesting the altercation had an intimidating tone.
Despite the FIR and the ongoing investigation, Nigam maintained a conciliatory stance. He emphasized the need to avoid generalizing an entire community based on the actions of a few and reiterated his respect for the people of Karnataka.
As the matter unfolds, the singer’s fans and followers have expressed solidarity on social media, while others have called for a thorough investigation into the incident. Authorities have yet to release a formal statement regarding the next steps in the case.
