Singer Sonu Nigam has apologised to the people of Karnataka over his controversial Pahalgam remark ahead of his Bengaluru concert scheduled for October 24. The apology comes after pro-Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) demanded that the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner deny permission for the event.In a video message, Sonu said he did not want a misunderstanding to damage his long-standing relationship with Kannadigas. He also said he was willing to apologise repeatedly if it helped preserve that bond.
Sonu Nigam apologises to Kannadigas
Addressing his Karnataka fans, Sonu said he had a warm and respectful conversation with KRV state president TA Narayana Gowda. He expressed regard for Gowda and said he wanted to clear up any hurt caused by his earlier comments.
‘I don’t mind saying sorry a 1000 times’: Sonu Nigam
“My dear Karnataka family, kannada garadigalu. 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 is a wonderful person, and we’ve had a very warm and respectful discussion. I have a lot of regard for him. So, this is what I have to say: When you love someone and you want the relationship to stay, you don’t mind saying sorry a 1000 times. So, my dear family, if anything I’ve said inadvertently that has hurt you, I’m so sorry for it.”The singer added that Kannadigas had given him love and respect over the past 30 years and that he did not want any bitterness to affect their relationship.“You know I’m not the kind of person who’s ever hurt anyone and 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 and lots of love to all of you, may God bless you and I love you,” he said.
Why Sonu Nigam’s Pahalgam remark sparked controversy?
The controversy dates back to April 2025, when Sonu performed at East Point College in Bengaluru. During the event, an audience member repeatedly asked him to sing in Kannada.Sonu responded by saying that he had sung some of his best songs in Kannada but objected to the way the request was made. He then made a comparison with the Pahalgam terror attack, saying, “This is the reason for the Pahalgam attack.”The remark drew widespread criticism across Karnataka, with many people accusing the singer of insulting Kannadigas by comparing a request for a Kannada song to a terrorist attack.
KRV demands cancellation of Bengaluru concert
Ahead of the October 24 concert, KRV urged the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner to deny permission for the event. The organisation also warned of statewide protests if the concert went ahead.In its letter to the commissioner, KRV said, “Kannadigas have not forgotten this wound.” Narayana Gowda alleged that Sonu had hurt the sentiments of Kannada-speaking people through his earlier remarks.
