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Sonu Nigam`s Song Removed From Kannada Film Amidst Bengaluru Concert Controversy
Updated on: 08 May, 2025 02:21 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Sonu Nigam Concert Row
The reverberations of a recent Bengaluru concert continue to impact playback singer Sonu Nigam`s professional life. Following his controversial remarks allegedly linking persistent fan requests for Kannada songs to the Pahalgam attack, the makers of the upcoming Kannada film `Kuladalli Keelyavudo` have decided to remove his song from the movie. This decision, confirmed through a press note, highlights the strong sentiments within the Kannada film industry regarding the incident.
The makers of `Kuladalli Keelyavudo` minced no words in their statement. "There is no doubt that Sonu Nigam is a good singer. But we are very upset by how he spoke about Kannada recently at a concert. We cannot tolerate the insult Sonu Nigam has done to Kannada, so we have removed the song." This firm stance underscores the industry`s disapproval of the singer`s alleged comments.
Sonu Nigam had lent his voice to the song `Manasu haadtade` for `Kuladalli Keelyavudo`, a film directed by K. Ramnarayan. The song, composed by Manomurthy with lyrics by Yogaraj Bhat, had already generated positive buzz. However, in light of the controversy, the filmmakers have now opted to replace Sonu Nigam`s rendition with that of popular Kannada singer Chethan. Furthermore, the film`s producer, Santosh Kumar, has declared his intention to refrain from future collaborations with Sonu Nigam.
Also Read: Sonu Nigam Responds to Internet Backlash Over The Bengaluru Concert Row
Following the backlash and an instruction from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to halt professional engagements with him, Sonu Nigam offered an apology. "Sorry, Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego. Love you always," he wrote on social media.
The controversy has also taken a legal turn, with an FIR being registered against Sonu Nigam for allegedly linking the song requests to the Pahalgam attack. The Karnataka police have reportedly issued a notice asking him to appear for questioning. Further action will depend on the verification of concert clips by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
The removal of Sonu Nigam`s song from `Kuladalli Keelyavudo` and the subsequent professional repercussions illustrate the strong sense of linguistic pride within the Kannada film industry and the swift action taken when perceived disrespect is shown towards the language.
Also Read: Sonu Nigam Upset Over Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal Not Receiving Padma Awards Yet
The Concert Controversy and Its Fallout
During his performance in Bengaluru on April 25th, a video surfaced showing Sonu Nigam seemingly expressing his displeasure at repeated requests to sing in Kannada. Reports suggest he drew a parallel to the terror attack in Pahalgam, a statement that triggered widespread outrage among Kannadigas.The makers of `Kuladalli Keelyavudo` minced no words in their statement. "There is no doubt that Sonu Nigam is a good singer. But we are very upset by how he spoke about Kannada recently at a concert. We cannot tolerate the insult Sonu Nigam has done to Kannada, so we have removed the song." This firm stance underscores the industry`s disapproval of the singer`s alleged comments.
Sonu Nigam had lent his voice to the song `Manasu haadtade` for `Kuladalli Keelyavudo`, a film directed by K. Ramnarayan. The song, composed by Manomurthy with lyrics by Yogaraj Bhat, had already generated positive buzz. However, in light of the controversy, the filmmakers have now opted to replace Sonu Nigam`s rendition with that of popular Kannada singer Chethan. Furthermore, the film`s producer, Santosh Kumar, has declared his intention to refrain from future collaborations with Sonu Nigam.
Also Read: Sonu Nigam Responds to Internet Backlash Over The Bengaluru Concert Row
Nigam`s Explanation and Apology
According to reports, Nigam stated at the concert that "four or five goon-like people" had threatened him to sing Kannada songs immediately after his first song. He defended his reaction, explaining that while his setlist included an hour of Kannada songs, he felt threatened by the insistent demands.Following the backlash and an instruction from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) to halt professional engagements with him, Sonu Nigam offered an apology. "Sorry, Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego. Love you always," he wrote on social media.
The controversy has also taken a legal turn, with an FIR being registered against Sonu Nigam for allegedly linking the song requests to the Pahalgam attack. The Karnataka police have reportedly issued a notice asking him to appear for questioning. Further action will depend on the verification of concert clips by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
The removal of Sonu Nigam`s song from `Kuladalli Keelyavudo` and the subsequent professional repercussions illustrate the strong sense of linguistic pride within the Kannada film industry and the swift action taken when perceived disrespect is shown towards the language.
Also Read: Sonu Nigam Upset Over Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal Not Receiving Padma Awards Yet
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