Bengaluru: In a significant backlash against playback singer Sonu Nigam, veteran Kannada filmmaker K Ramnarayan has announced the removal of two of Nigam’s songs from his upcoming film, Kuladalli Keelyavudo, following controversial remarks made during a concert in Bengaluru. Ramnarayan stated on May 8, 2025, that Nigam's apology was insufficient, insisting that there must be consequences for his remarks which linked Kannada pride to the Pahalgam tragedy.
The controversy erupted at a concert held on April 25, 2025, at East Point College of Engineering and Technology, where Nigam was performing. During the event, a fan persistently requested him to sing in Kannada. In response, Nigam allegedly snapped, saying, "This is why the Pahalgam incident happened," referring to a recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. This comment did not sit well with many in the Kannada community, leading to widespread outrage.
Ramnarayan, who has collaborated with Nigam in the past and even penned the award-winning song "Ninna Nodalentho" for the film Mussanje Maatu, expressed his disappointment. He told PTI, "Just saying sorry will not cut it. Connecting Kannada pride to the national tragedy that happened in Pahalgam is a very grave mistake. He must pay a price for that." He emphasized that someone who disrespects Kannada culture should not be the voice of such a revered track, referring to the film's title song, which is a tribute to the iconic 1965 Kannada film Satya Harishchandra, starring Dr. Rajkumar.
Originally, Kuladalli Keelyavudo had three promotional tracks, two of which were sung by Nigam. The title track and another song, "Manasu Haadtade," have now been replaced with versions recorded by Chethan Sosca, who was the original demo singer. Ramnarayan noted that the team had already been fond of Chethan’s versions and are fine-tuning them for the official release.
Despite the removal of Nigam's rendition of the title track from YouTube, the song "Manasu Haadtade" remains available on his personal channel. This decision to cut Nigam's songs from the film comes in the wake of a meeting held by the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on May 5, 2025, where it was decided to ban Nigam from the Kannada film industry until he issues a more satisfactory apology.
The fallout from the incident has been swift and severe. An FIR was filed against Nigam in Bengaluru for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the Kannada community by linking their language to a terrorist incident. The backlash intensified on social media, with many expressing their outrage over his comments.
In an attempt to mitigate the situation, Nigam took to Instagram to apologize, stating, "Sorry Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego. Love you always." However, this apology has not quelled the anger among many in the Kannada film fraternity.
Ramnarayan's firm stance reflects a broader sentiment within the Kannada film industry, which has rallied to defend its cultural identity. The filmmaker articulated the significance of the title track, stating, "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 – our orchestra, while recording songs, ends by playing this song. How can this song be sung by someone like Nigam, who thinks so lowly of us?"
The decision to replace Nigam’s tracks in Kuladalli Keelyavudo is a clear indication of the industry's commitment to uphold its values and cultural pride. As the film is set to release in theatres on May 23, 2025, it remains to be seen how the ongoing controversy will affect its reception among audiences.
In a statement released by the film's producers, they acknowledged Nigam's talent but expressed their disappointment with his recent comments about Kannada. They said, "There is no doubt that Sonu Nigam is a good singer. But we are very upset by how he spoke about Kannada recently at a concert. We cannot tolerate the insult Sonu Nigam has done to Kannada, so we have removed the song."
The situation has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of artists and the impact of their words on cultural sentiments. As the Kannada film industry grapples with this controversy, many are calling for a deeper understanding and respect for regional languages and cultures in the larger context of Indian diversity.
As the dust settles, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between artistic expression and cultural sensitivity. The future of Sonu Nigam's career in the Kannada film industry now hangs in the balance as the community continues to express its sentiments on the matter.
