Bengaluru Concert Fallout | Sonu Nigam’s Song Removed from Kannada Film
Singer Sonu Nigam is in hot water with the Kannada film industry after his remarks at a Bengaluru concert sparked backlash. Despite his public apology, the industry has decided to remove his song from the film ‘Kuladalli Keelyavudo,’ escalating the controversy. (ALSO READ: Sonu Nigam Apologizes to Karnataka: “My Love for You is Bigger Than My Ego)
The Controversial Bengaluru Concert
The incident began when Sonu Nigam made remarks perceived as dismissive of Kannada culture during his Bengaluru concert. His comments drew criticism, with many accusing him of disrespecting the local language and culture. Despite his Instagram apology, where he wrote, “Sorry Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my pride,” the backlash continued.
Song Removed Despite Apology
In response, the makers of ‘Kuladalli Keelyavudo’ announced that they would remove Sonu Nigam’s song ‘Manasu Haadtade’ from the film’s soundtrack. The song, composed by Manomurthy with lyrics by Yogaraj Bhat, was initially well-received but has now become a focal point of the controversy.
A press note from the filmmakers stated, “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.”
Backlash and Industry Reaction
The Kannada film industry has reacted strongly, with several figures expressing disappointment in Sonu Nigam’s remarks. Reports indicate that the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has advised against collaborating with him. Producer Santosh Kumar has publicly stated that he will not work with Sonu in future projects.
A Song with a Controversial End
‘Manasu Haadtade,’ which was composed by Manomurthy and written by Yogaraj Bhat, became a casualty of the dispute. Directed by K Ramnarayan, the film was set to feature the track, which received a positive response upon release. However, it will now be re-recorded with singer Chethan.
Despite being removed from the film, the song remains available on Sonu Nigam’s official YouTube channel, where it continues to draw views and comments from his fans.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between cultural sensitivity and artistic freedom. While artists often bring their perspectives to their performances, those perspectives can lead to backlash, especially when they touch on regional or cultural sentiments.
As the controversy around Sonu Nigam’s remarks continues, the Kannada film industry’s decision underscores how strongly cultural identity is protected in Karnataka, even within the world of entertainment.