The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Monday announced a 'non-cooperation' campaign against Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam for his controversial remark during a recent concert in Bengaluru.
KFCC president M Narasimhulu told reporters that the non-cooperation with the singer would continue until he tenders an unconditional apology to the people of Karnataka.
"There will be non-cooperation with Sonu Nigam across Karnataka. It’s just like a ban. He should apologise to the people of Karnataka," Narasimhulu said.
When asked whether he had tried to reach out to Nigam before taking this step, he said he had attempted to contact him, but there was no response as the singer's phone was switched off.
Also read: 'I was threatened to sing in Kannada', Sonu Nigam on concert row
The incident took place during a music event held on April 25 at East Point College of Engineering and Technology in Virgonagar, where Nigam was performing. The controversy erupted after a fan from the audience requested him to sing a Kannada song.
Nigam, reportedly, responded sharply, saying, "I had started singing Kannada songs even before he was born. This is why the Pahalgam attack happened — for such a kind of attitude. At least see who is in front of you before making such demands".
The singer’s remarks referencing the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, triggered backlash, with many condemning the comparison as “insensitive and provocative.”
In his video, Nigam also acknowledged that some of the best songs of his career are in Kannada and that Karnataka has always welcomed him like family.
Dharma Vish, General Secretary of the Karnataka Film Musicians’ Association, said, "Nigam is one of the best talents that India and Kannada have seen. The controversy is not about his talent— it is about what he said, which has deeply hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. Comparing a person or people from a state to terrorists is extremely damaging."
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