Sonu Nigam apologises to Kannadigas ahead of Bengaluru show, ending KRV protest

Playback singer Sonu Nigam has released a video message apologising to the people of Karnataka over a past controversial remark, clearing the path for his upcoming concert in Bengaluru on October 24 as part of The Revolution India Tour.

The Apology And Protest

Ahead of the live event, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike chief TA Narayana Gowda had petitioned Bengaluru police to block permission for the show. The pushback stemmed from an April 2025 incident at East Point College of Engineering and Technology, where the singer linked an audience member's repeated calls for Kannada songs to the Pahalgam terror attack, triggering widespread outrage and an FIR at Avalahalli police station. Following a direct phone call with Gowda, Sonu stated that he is ready to offer apologies a thousand times to preserve his relationship with his fans, noting that he never intended to cause hurt during his thirty years of performing in the state.

Resolution

TA Narayana Gowda shared the video on X, announcing that the organisation has dropped its protest. Gowda noted that the group held no personal animosity toward the artist and viewed forgiveness as part of local cultural traditions, while citing legendary non-local singers like Ghantasala, PB Srinivas, KJ Yesudas, S Janaki, Vani Jairam, and KS Chithra who previously enriched Kannada film music. The KRV leader expressed hope that the vocalist will perform more Kannada tracks in the future and keep entertaining local audiences.

Context

Protests and demands for apologies from visiting artists are common ways regional groups assert cultural pride in India when language sensitivities are touched. Cultural bodies often lift objections once a public apology is formally accepted, allowing large entertainment events to proceed smoothly.