Sonu Nigam Bengaluru Concert Faces Backlash: Pro-Kannada Group Demands Police Deny Permission Over Past Remarks

Entertainment Bureau | Bangalore Mail

BENGALURU: Tension is brewing in the state capital as the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a prominent pro-Kannada organization, has officially requested the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner to deny permission for playback singer Sonu Nigam’s upcoming live concert. Citing the singer’s past controversial comments regarding Kannada linguistic pride, the group has warned of intense state-wide protests if the event is allowed to proceed.

The concert, part of “The Revolution India Tour,” is scheduled for October 24 at 7:00 PM at the Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru along Thanisandra Main Road and is being organized by ITW Playworx.

The Root of the Controversy

In its formal representation to the police, KRV State President T.A. Narayana Gowda underscored that Kannadigas have not forgotten the singer’s controversial remarks made in April 2025 during a performance at East Point College in Bengaluru.

During the event, when an audience member requested a song in Kannada, the singer reacted strongly, reportedly equating the aggressive demand to the Pahalgam terror attack. The remarks drew instant condemnation from across the state, with various cultural and political bodies accusing him of deeply offending Kannada sentiments by linking regional linguistic pride to terrorism.

Following the incident, KRV registered a formal police complaint against Sonu Nigam at the Avalahalli police station on May 2, 2025.

Demands for Action and Warning of Protests

In the latest development, KRV has urged law enforcement authorities to either withhold permission or revoke any approvals already granted for the October 24 concert. The organization argues that permitting public events by individuals who have allegedly insulted local linguistic identity could trigger law and order issues and stoke tensions between linguistic communities.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the pro-Kannada outfit has reiterated that if authorities overlook their memorandum and permit the concert, they will spearhead massive protests across Karnataka, holding the event organizers and authorities accountable for any escalation.

As the date of the concert approaches, all eyes remain on the Bengaluru Police Department regarding how they will handle the security and regulatory status of the high-profile event.