Singer Sonu Nigam’s upcoming Bengaluru concert, scheduled for October 24, 2026, has come under pressure following renewed controversy over his remarks at a 2025 concert. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has urged Bengaluru police to deny permission for the event and warned of statewide protests if the show goes ahead.
The dispute centres on comments Nigam made after some audience members demanded Kannada songs during a performance in Bengaluru last year. The controversy has resurfaced ahead of his upcoming appearance, with the organisation calling for action over remarks it considers offensive to Kannadigas.
KRV Seeks Cancellation of Bengaluru Concert
KRV state president T. A. Narayana Gowda reportedly wrote to the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, requesting that permission for the October 24 concert be denied.
The organisation alleges that Nigam insulted Kannadigas by comparing the demand for a Kannada song with the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. It has also called for action on a complaint filed against the singer following the earlier incident.
In its representation, KRV maintained that the controversy had hurt the sentiments and self-respect of Kannada-speaking people. The organisation warned that statewide protests could follow if the concert proceeds.
What Sparked the 2025 Controversy?
The dispute dates back to April 2025, when Nigam was performing at an event in Bengaluru. According to reports, some audience members repeatedly requested Kannada songs, prompting a response from the singer that referenced the Pahalgam terror attack.
His remarks triggered criticism and led to a complaint against him. The incident subsequently became a wider debate about language, respect for regional audiences and the expectations placed on performers at public events.
Sonu Nigam Explains His Side
Following the backlash, Nigam addressed the controversy in a video shared on Instagram. He claimed that a small group of men had behaved aggressively towards him and demanded Kannada songs before his performance had properly begun.
The singer also explained his reference to the Pahalgam attack, arguing that the victims had not been asked about their language before being killed. He said he regularly included a substantial selection of Kannada songs in his concerts and expressed appreciation for Kannada-speaking audiences.
His explanation, however, did not end the controversy, and the issue has now returned to the spotlight ahead of his scheduled Bengaluru show.
Will Sonu Nigam’s October 24 Concert Go Ahead?
The concert’s status remains uncertain amid KRV’s request to the police and its warning of protests. The organisation has called for the authorities to address the earlier complaint and take its concerns into account before allowing the event to proceed.
As of the information available in the report, no final decision cancelling the concert has been confirmed. The event’s future will depend on the authorities’ response and any further developments surrounding the dispute.
