Sonu Nigam Shuts Down Student’s Rude Demand for Kannada Song at Bengaluru Concert

Bengaluru 1 May 2025 : Playback artiste Sonu Nigam was at the centre of controversy recently when he firmly refused a rude request from a student to sing a song in Kannada during a concert in Bengaluru. The incident, recorded on camera and circulated on social media, has set off fresh debate about language sensitivities in Karnataka.

During a performance of one of his Hindi blockbusters on stage, Nigam was disrupted by a student in the audience who loudly hollered “Kannada, Kannada,” insisting that the singer sing in the local language. Clearly agitated, Sonu Nigam stopped his song to speak out to the audience and reprimand the student’s actions.

“In my professional life, I have sung in various languages, but the best songs that I have ever sung are the ones in the Kannada language,” Nigam reminded the people of his close affinity to Karnataka. He added that he always visits the state with love and respect and feels warmly accepted by the people.

Sounding disappointed, Nigam said, “I didn’t like when the boy there, who is not even as old as my career, is rudely threatening me to sing in Kannada.” He took the chance to warn against intolerance, comparing the Pahalgam incident to point out how hatred and aggression can turn into violence.

This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam. Please see who is standing before you. I love you guys,” Nigam added, appealing to the audience for mutual respect.

The incident has set off debate on social media, with some complimenting Nigam for his grace in dealing with the incident, while others referred to the broader context of language conflicts in Karnataka. There have been several language clashes in the state in the last one year — ranging from altercations between auto drivers and non-Kannada-speaking passengers to government orders for Kannada signboards.

Nigam’s reaction is being interpreted as a reminder that respect and decorum need to cross linguistic divides, particularly in a multiracial country such as India.