Singer Sonu Nigam has come under legal scrutiny after his comments during a recent concert in Bengaluru sparked outrage and led to the filing of an FIR against him on Saturday. The incident, which unfolded during a live performance on April 25–26 at East Point College of Engineering and Technology in the city’s Virgonagar area, has triggered backlash from pro-Kannada groups and political voices alike.

At the event, a member of the audience reportedly insisted that Nigam sing in Kannada. According to eyewitness accounts, the demand was made loudly and repeatedly, prompting the artist to respond strongly. Speaking in Hindi, Nigam defended his respect for regional languages but condemned the aggressive tone of the request.

“I’ve sung in Kannada many times, even before some of today’s youth were born. I have immense love and respect for Karnataka and its people, who have always welcomed me warmly,” Nigam said. “But the way that boy shouted ‘Kannada, Kannada’ didn’t sit right with me. It’s this kind of aggression that creates the conditions for tragic incidents like what happened in Pahalgam.”

His reference to the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, was seen by many as inappropriate and inflammatory. The comment drew immediate condemnation on social media and from public figures, including film producer Karthik Gowda and Kannada language advocate SR Govindu.

The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a prominent Kannada rights organization, lodged a formal complaint at Avalahalli Police Station, accusing Nigam of making statements that insulted the Kannada community and stirred tensions between linguistic groups.

In their complaint, the group stated: “Equating a request for a Kannada song with a brutal act of terrorism was deeply offensive and has caused widespread anger among Kannadigas. His remarks risk creating divisions among language communities in the state and across India.”

The viral video clip of Nigam’s remarks further intensified public reaction, with many calling for action against the singer. Based on the complaint, police have registered an FIR under legal provisions relating to promoting discord, defamation, and hurting linguistic sentiments.

Nigam Responds

Taking to Instagram to clarify his side of the story, Sonu Nigam defended himself, claiming he had been subjected to intimidation rather than a polite request.

“Only four or five people were shouting like hooligans,” he said in a video posted on Saturday. “Others were trying to calm them down. It’s important to remind people that terrorists don’t ask for your language or background before attacking. The Kannadiga people are warm and generous, but those few individuals were not making a request — they were threatening.”

Nigam emphasized that his intention was never to insult a language or community, but to call out what he saw as rising intolerance masked as cultural pride.