Our Bureau
Karnataka
The Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce has banned singer Sonu Nigam for making controversial remarks during a concert at East Point Engineering College in Bengaluru on April 25.
Earlier in the day, the Chamber had reportedly called a meeting, which was attended by the Music Directors Association, Directors Association, and Producers Association to discuss ‘the possibility of refraining from engaging Sonu Nigam for Kannada movies in future projects’.
It should be noted that an FIR was filed against the singer in the Avalahalli police on May 3 due to his alleged remarks about the Kannadiga community during a music event in Bengaluru. The incident led to a fumed Kannada film industry ‘preparing to distance itself’ from the singer.
As per reports, a young man allegedly insisted that Sonu Nigam sing in Kannada during a concert at the East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Virgonagar on April 25 and 26. Frustrated by the repeated shouts, the singer fumed and said, “Kannada. Kannada. This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam.”
Following the incident, a complaint was lodged against the singer by Dharmaraj A, President of the Bengaluru City District Unit of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organisation.
Calling the remarks by the singer as objectionable and emotionally provocative, the organization has accused Nigam to hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community and incite hatred among various linguistic communities in Karnataka.
The written complaint says, “This complaint is lodged against the renowned singer Shri Sonu Nigam for making objectionable and emotionally provocative statements during a musical event held on April 25 and 26, at East Point College of Engineering and Technology, Virgonagar, Bengaluru, which falls under your police station jurisdiction. His statements have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga community, incited hatred among various linguistic communities in Karnataka, and are likely to provoke violence.”
Following the complaint, the members of the pro-Kannada organisation also held a protest against the singer at Freedom Park in Bengaluru.
Sonu later released a video clarifying his statement. Taking to his Instagram, he said he was “threatened” by a small group of boys to sing in Kannada at the event. He also urged people “not to generalise” or hold the entire community responsible for the actions of a few.
M Narasimhalu, President, Kannada Film Chambers of Commerce, has said that Nigam has hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas with his statements. “We have collectively decided not to cooperate with the singer. No concert or Kannada songs for him until he tenders an unconditional apology,” Narasimhalu added.
