Sonu Nigam deserves to be banned, says Kuladalli Keelyavudo director after removing his songs from film: ‘Connecting Kannada pride to Pahalgam…’

Sonu Nigam had sung the song “Mansau haadtade” for the film about three months ago. It was released on his official YouTube channel on April 5. The song, written by Yograj Bhat, is composed by Manomurthy.

After the controversy, the makers of the film have decided to re-record the song with Kannada singer Chetan.

Filmmaker Ramnarayan reacts

Speaking to PTI, K Ramnarayan said , “Just saying sorry will not cut it. Connecting Kannada pride to the national tragedy that happened in Pahalgam is a very grave mistake. He must pay a price for that.”

He added, “In fact, he sang the title track, which is a tribute to possibly the most famous Kannada song, featured in legendary actor Rajkumar’s 1965 film, Satya Harishchandra. The original Kuladalli Keelyavudo is so sacred for the Kannada film industry–our orchestra while recording songs end by playing this song. How can this song be sung by someone like Nigam who thinks so lowly of us.”

“He deserves a ban from the Kannada industry. Someone of his stature should think more before they hurl hurtful words at others”, said the director.

What is the Sonu Nigam Kannada controversy?

Over a week ago, a video of Sonu Nigam from his concert in Bengaluru went viral. In the video, a seemingly upset Sonu Nigam could be seen schooling a student who rudely demanded him to sing songs in Kannada.

The singer could be heard saying, “In my career, I have sung in multiple languages but the best songs that I have ever sung is in the Kannada language. Whenever I come to your city, I come with lots of love. We do a lot of shows in a lot of places, but whenever we have shows in Karnataka we come with a lot of respect for you. You have treated me like your family, but I didn’t like when the boy there, who is not even as old as my career, is rudely threatening me to sing in Kannada.”

He added, “This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam. Please see who is standing before you. I love you guys.”

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Sonu Nigam stands by his statement

Sonu Nigam’s statement attracted heavy backlash as well as legal notice and FIRs. Post the incident, Sonu Nigam shared another note, where he wrote, “I am not a young lad to take humiliation from anyone. I am 51 years old, in the second half of my life and am entitled to take offence for someone as young as my son threatening me directly in front of thousands in the name of language that too Kannada which is my second language when it comes to my work. That too right after my first song of the concert! He provoked a few more. Their own people were embarrassed and were asking them to shut up.”

Sonu Nigam apologises to people of Karnataka

Sonu Nigam’s statement divided his fans with some apologising to him for what he has to go through while others justifying the need to sing in Kannada when in Karnataka.

Eventually, Sonu Nigam shared another note, that read, “Sorry Karnataka. My Love for you is bigger than my Ego. Love you always.”