Bengaluru, 5 May

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Monday announced a 'non-cooperation' campaign against Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam over a controversial remark he made during a recent concert in Bengaluru.

The Narayana Gowda faction of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike staged a demonstration in the city in protest against Nigam’s comment.

During a concert at a college here on 25 April, when an audience member asked him to sing a Kannada song, Nigam reportedly responded, "Kannada. Kannada. This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam."

The terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam on 22 April left 26 people dead, including two from Karnataka.

An FIR was registered against the singer at the Avalahalli police station on 3 May for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas.

KFCC president M Narasimhulu told reporters that the non-cooperation campaign would continue until Nigam tenders an unconditional apology to the people of Karnataka.

"There will be non-cooperation with Nigam across Karnataka. It’s just like a ban. He should apologise to the people of Karnataka," he said.

When asked if he had tried to reach out to Nigam before taking this step, Narasimhulu said he had attempted to contact him, but received no response as the singer's phone was switched off.

Dharma Vish, general secretary of the Karnataka Film Musicians’ Association, said, "Nigam is one of the finest talents India and Kannada have seen. The controversy is not about his talent but about his comment, which deeply hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. Comparing people from a state to terrorists is extremely damaging."

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Narayana Gowda faction of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike convener TA Narayana Gowda alleged that Nigam had "displayed madness" during the programme.

"He has sung hundreds of songs in Kannada films, so his fans merely requested a Kannada song. He could have sung it, declined, or remained silent. There was no pressure on him. Linking the request to the Pahalgam terror strike was completely uncalled for," he said.

Bengaluru Rural district Superintendent of Police CK Baba said the police will intensify the investigation.

He confirmed that a notice had already been issued to the singer, asking him to appear before the investigating officer next week.

"During the show, when some people in the audience requested Kannada songs, Nigam made an objectionable statement. So, we registered a case at the Avalahalli police station. The matter is under investigation, and considering the seriousness of the issue, the inspector is handling it. The case relates to hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas," Baba said.

He reiterated that a notice has been served, and once Nigam appears, the investigation will proceed to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.

Explaining further, Baba said a large crowd had gathered for the concert where Nigam performed.

"There was no correlation between the request for a Kannada song and the incident in Kashmir. Yet, he made a statement along those lines, which hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas. Hence, we registered a case. We will soon summon him," Baba added.

He also confirmed that video evidence of the incident is available.