Sonu Nigam's Kannada and Pahalgam comments may blacklist him from Kannada industry

Veteran Kannada film director K. Ramnarayan stated on Thursday that singer Sonu Nigam’s apology for his "controversial" remarks over the is insufficient and that he should . Ramnarayan said he has replaced two songs sung by Nigam in his upcoming film Kuladalli Keelyavudo with track versions. "Just saying sorry will not cut it. Connecting to the national tragedy that happened in Pahalgam is a very grave mistake. He must pay a price for that," he told PTI.

How is Pahalgam incident related to asking kannada song in Bengaluru concert ?? Why is sonu nigam Linking 2 unrelated things #StopHindiImposition pic.twitter.com/dXCpai4trw

— 🐯 Putnanja 🦁 (@Putnanja_) May 1, 2025

Ramnarayan explained that Kuladalli Keelyavudo, set to release in theatres on May 23, has already released three songs as part of its promotion—two of them sung by Nigam. "In fact, he sang the title track, which is a tribute to possibly the most famous Kannada song, featured in legendary actor Rajkumar’s 1965 film Satya Harishchandra. The original Kuladalli Keelyavudo' is so sacred for the Kannada film industry that our orchestra ends its song recordings by playing it. How can this song be sung by someone like Nigam who thinks so lowly of us?" he said.

While the makers have removed Nigam’s version of Kuladalli Keelyavudo from YouTube, another song sung by him for the film, Manasu Haadtade, remains available on his personal YouTube channel.

He also reflected on his long professional relationship with Nigam, who has recorded over a thousand songs in Kannada. "The song I wrote, 'Ninna Nodalentho', for the film Mussanje Maatu starring Sudeep Kiccha and Ramya, was sung by Nigam nearly 12 years ago," he said. He recalled that Nigam won a Filmfare Award for that performance. "We were all so happy for him then. He deserved that award. Just like now, he deserves a ban from the Kannada industry. Someone of his stature should think more before they hurl hurtful words at others," Ramnarayan added.

Earlier, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce announced a ‘non-cooperation’ campaign against the singer for his 'hurtful remarks.'

Nigam had issued an apology on Monday following a controversy at his Bengaluru concert. In a post shared on Instagram, he wrote: "Sorry, Karnataka. My Love for you, is bigger than my Ego. Love you always."

The apology came after a complaint was filed by the pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV). According to reports, during a live concert on 25 April at a Bengaluru college, an audience member repeatedly shouted, requesting him to sing in Kannada. Frustrated, Nigam allegedly responded, "Kannada, Kannada. This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam," drawing a connection between the audience demand and a national tragedy.