Indian playback singer Sonu Nigam has apologised to his fans in Karnataka ahead of his concert in Bengaluru on October 24. The development comes after protests erupted again over his controversial statement on the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
In a video message, part of which was in Kannada, Sonu Nigam said that he is ready to apologise repeatedly to maintain a relationship with his fans. According to Indian media outlet NDTV, the singer said that when you love someone and want to maintain that relationship, there is no harm in apologising a thousand times.
The singer said that if he has unintentionally hurt anyone with anything he said, he is sorry. He described the people of Karnataka as his family and acknowledged the love and support he has received over the past 30 years.
The apology comes at a time when the Karnataka Rakshasa Vedike, an organization working for Kannada language rights, has demanded that the Bengaluru police not allow Sonu Nigam’s concert. The organization has also warned that if the program is held, protests can be held across the state.
How did the controversy start?
The matter began during a performance by Sonu Nigam at East Point College in Bengaluru in April 2025. A person present at the program demanded that the singer sing a song in Kannada. Sonu Nigam objected to the manner of this demand and linked it to the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
According to NDTV, the singer had said at the time that “this is why the Pahalgam attack happened.” His statement drew a strong reaction in Karnataka and the Karnataka Rakshasa Vedike accused him of insulting Kannada-speaking people.
The organisation’s state president, T.A. Narayana Gowda, wrote in a letter to the Bengaluru police commissioner that the Kannada community has not forgotten the incident. Opposition to the concert has since gained momentum.
In his latest message, Sonu Nigam tried to reassure fans that he had not intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments. He said the people of Karnataka have given him immense love and respect for three decades and he does not want any minor misunderstanding to sour the relationship.
Ahead of the October 24 concert, it is unclear whether the singer’s apology will reduce the protests or whether opposition to the programme will continue.