Why Sonu Nigam’s Pahalgam Remark Sparked Outrage Among Kannada Activists
Sonu Nigam faces backlash from Kannada Activists after his Pahalgam remark. KRV demands apology, calling it a slight against Karnataka’s language pride.
Why Kannada Activists Are Furious with Sonu Nigam: Understanding the Backlash Over His Pahalgam Remark and Its Impact on Language Politics in Karnataka
Sonu Nigam has landed himself in a verbal mess regarding the previously mentioned comments during his recent live concert in Bengaluru; for which he has drawn a wedge between Kannada and cultures; especially regarding a Pahalgam terror attack, in response to someone from the crowd who wanted their song in Kannada. This incited severe tensions with pro-Kannada groups, especially the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), who are alleging that Nigam derogated their language activism by equating it to terrorism, hence igniting nationwide fury with public demands for an apology.
The flashpoint occurred during a live performance where the singer was interrupted by a student demanding him to sing in Kannada. Highly peeved, the singer decided to halt the show and stated that while he adores Kannada and has made some of his best renditions in the language, the demand was “rudely threatening.” He then went on to add, “This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam”, referring to a recent terrorist strike. The audience’s reaction was mixed, but it didn’t take long for the video to go viral and ignite a firestorm.
This analogy, according to activists, crossed the line. One of the most vociferous pro-Kannada voices, KRV lodged a complaint with the police against Nigam, accusing the singer of deriding their cultural movement while “attempting to incite enmity between linguistic communities.” For them, equating a democratic demand for regional language representation with terrorism devalues a decades-long struggle in favor of Kannada identity amid mounting linguistic homogenization.
Language pride goes deep in Karnataka. There are other, similarly aggressive acts led by KRV that fought like beasts to represent Kannada in education, administration, and entertainment. To even suggest that such a movement is aggressive and divisive invites violent condemnation from all sections. According to members of KRV, Nigam’s analogy with Pahalgam sends a dangerous message-that standing up for one’s language amounts to extremism. This, according to them, not only maligns their course but also casts Kannadigas in ill light.
Ironically, Sonu Nigam has had an illustrious association with the Kannada music industry. Some of the biggest hits in his career have come from films like Mungaru Male, Milana, and Gaalipata, and he has expressed gratitude toward the people of Karnataka for welcoming him with open arms. He went on to claim that some of his best works have been in Kannada and that he includes Kannada songs in his concerts across the globe as a mark of respect for the culture of the state.
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However, KRV remains adamant. The leadership has said that only a public, heartfelt apology will quell the wrath. Until such an apology is forthcoming, the KRV will carry on with its threat to block any of Nigam’s shows in the state. The incident has also revived debates on Hindi imposition and cultural respect which drew parallels to yesteryear events such as the one AR Rahman faced in the UK over a Tamil performance.
As fierce arguments continue, this incident also mirrors the fine balance that celebrities must maintain in respect to sensitive topics that concern culture in India and the deep- seated sensations surrounding language.
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