Bengaluru
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Singer Sonu Nigam’s October 24 concert in Bengaluru has come under scrutiny after the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) urged the city police to deny permission for the event over a controversial remark he allegedly made about Kannada and the Pahalgam terror attack in 2025.
In a letter to Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, KRV state president TA Narayana Gowda said the alleged comment had hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas and that allowing the singer to perform in the city could further aggravate public anger. The organisation has also warned of statewide protests if the concert goes ahead.
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike urged Bengaluru police to deny permission for Sonu Nigam’s October 24 concert due to an alleged April 2025 remark linking Kannada songs to a terror attack, which reportedly offended local sentiments. A police complaint was filed in May 2025.
The controversy dates back to April 2025, when Sonu Nigam attended a music programme at East Point College in Bengaluru. According to KRV, a student requested him to sing a Kannada song during the event, following which the singer allegedly made a remark linking the demand to the Pahalgam terror attack.
KRV has quoted him as saying, “Kannada, Kannada, Kannada, this is the reason the Pahalgam incident (terror attack) happened.”
The organisation has described the alleged statement as irresponsible and an insult to the pride and self-respect of Kannada-speaking people.
“Is asking for a Kannada song a crime? Who gave Sonu Nigam the right to compare love for Kannada language to a terrorist attack?” the letter asked.
KRV said the incident had deeply hurt Kannada-speaking people and argued that the alleged remark should not be overlooked.
KRV Seeks Action on Earlier Police Complaint
The organisation has also brought up a police complaint filed against the singer in May 2025.
According to its letter, Dharmaraj TA, president of KRV’s Bengaluru Urban District Unit, approached Avalahalli Police Station on May 2, 2025, seeking legal action over the alleged statement.
KRV has now asked the police to review the status of the complaint and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The organisation also urged the authorities to take statements that allegedly insult Kannada linguistic pride and risk creating tensions between linguistic communities seriously, citing the need to maintain public peace and harmony.
Sonu Nigam’s Bengaluru Concert on October 24
The objection comes ahead of Sonu Nigam’s scheduled performance as part of The Revolution India Tour.
According to KRV’s letter, the concert is scheduled for 7 pm on October 24 at Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru on Thanisandra Main Road. The event is being organised by ITW Playworx.
KRV has asked the police not to grant permission for the concert. If permission has already been granted, it wants the authorities to revoke it, citing public sentiment and possible law and order concerns.
The organisation has also urged the police to consult the event organisers and other relevant authorities to ensure that the situation does not lead to a public disturbance.
