Sonu Nigam issues statement over Bengaluru concert controversy: ‘I am not a young lad to take humiliation from anyone’

Last week, Padma Shri recipient singer Sonu Nigam got entangled in controversy for allegedly “hurting the sentiments” of Kannadigas at a concert in Bengaluru. During the performance, a student demanded that Nigam sing in Kannada, which prompted a heated response from the singer. He referenced the recent terror attack at Kashmir’s Pahalgam, saying, “This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam. Please see who is standing before you. I love you guys.”

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His remarks quickly provoked widespread anger on social media, with many bashing the actor for equating the terror attack to the Kannada language. “Shri Sonu Nigam’s statements are objectionable, divisive and harmful to communal harmony,” a complaint submitted by the President of a pro-Kannada organisation read.

Now, the singer has issued a clarification. He released a lengthy statement via an Instagram post, where he expressed his love for the Kannada language, but did not appreciate the humiliation caused by the fan who heckled him to sing in Kannada.

“I have given unprecedented love to the language, the culture, the music, the musicians, the state and the people not just when I am in Karnataka but anywhere else in the world,” he said, further stating that he respects the language more than Hindi. “I have more than hour of Kannada songs that I prepare for every concert when in Karnataka.”

Talking about last week’s incident, he said, “I am not a young lad to take humiliation from anyone. I am 51 years old, in the second half of my life and am entitled to take offence for someone as young as my son threatening me directly in front of thousands in the name of language that too Kannada which is my second language when it comes to my work. That too right after my first song of the concert!” He recalled that concert-goers surrounding the heckler were embarrassed about the ruckus caused and pleaded with him to stop.

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“Being a patriot that I am, I loathe anyone trying to create hate in the name of language, caste or religion especially after what transpired in Pahalgam.” he added. He penned his conclusion, saying that he would leave it up to the people of Karnataka to lay down the final verdict. “I have received divine love from Karnataka and will cherish it always with no malice whatsoever irrespective of your verdict,” Nigam stated.

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