Sonu Nigam Issues Apology Amid Fresh Protests Over Pahalgam Remarks

Indian playback singer Sonu Nigam has apologised to his fans in Karnataka ahead of his scheduled concert in Bengaluru on October 24, as protests over his controversial remarks about the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack have resurfaced.

In a video message, which included parts in Kannada, the singer said he was willing to apologise as many times as needed to maintain his relationship with his fans. According to Indian media reports, Sonu explained that when you love someone and value a relationship, there is no harm in saying sorry, even a thousand times.

He added that if anything he had said unintentionally hurt people’s feelings, he sincerely apologised. Sonu also described the people of Karnataka as his family and acknowledged the love and support they had given him over the past 30 years.

His apology comes as the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, an organisation that campaigns for Kannada language rights, has urged Bengaluru Police not to allow his upcoming concert. The group has also warned of protests across the state if the event goes ahead.

How Did the Dispute Instigate?

The debate dates back to April 2025, when Sonu Nigam performed at East Point College in Bengaluru. During the event, somebody in the audience seemingly wanted that he sing a song in Kannada.

The singer objected to the way the request was made and linked the incident to the Pahalgam terror attack. According to NDTV, Sonu said at the time, “This is why the Pahalgam attack happened.”

His statements got strong reactions in Karnataka, with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike blaming him of insolent Kannada-speaking individuals.

The organization’s state president, T.A. Narayana Gowda, later wrote to the Bengaluru police commissioner, stating that the Kannada community had not forgotten the incident. Opposition to Sonu’s upcoming performance has since resurfaced.

In his recent video message, the singer wanted to calm his fans that he never wished-for to hurt their feelings. He highlighted that the people of Karnataka had shown him huge love and respect over three years and said he did not want a confusion to damage that connection.

With the Bengaluru concert scheduled for October 24, it remains to be seen whether Sonu Nigam’s apology will ease tensions or whether protests against the event will continue.