Signing you in

Following a conversation with Gowda, Sonu issued an apology saying he didn't mind saying sorry 1,000 times, prompting the organisation to announce that it would call off its protest.

On October 19, Narayana Gowda shared the video on X, saying Sonu had understood how his earlier comment had hurt Kannadigas and had offered an unconditional apology. In the video, Sonu addressed the people of Karnataka as his family and said he did not want a misunderstanding to damage their relationship.

“My dear Karnataka family, Thanna Kannadigaru. My truth is known to me, my Almighty, my Bhagwan, and to all the people who were there in the audience that eventful evening. Nevertheless, I've had a beautiful chat with Shri Narayana Gowda ji. He's a wonderful person, and we've had a very warm and, respectful discussion. I have a lot of regard for him,” he said.

Explaining why he was apologising, the singer added, “When you love someone, and you want the relationship to stay, you don't mind saying sorry 1000 times. So my dear family, if anything I've said inadvertently that has hurt you, I am so sorry for it.”

He further said that people in Karnataka had given him love and respect for three decades and that he did not want a misunderstanding to affect that bond.

“You know I'm not the kind of person who's ever hurt anyone, at least my family from Karnataka. You have given me so much love and so much respect in the last 30 years that I don't want any kind of little misunderstanding taint that relationship and cause any kind of bitterness. Lots of love to all of you. May God bless you, and I love you,” he said.KRV calls off protest after apology

Sharing the video, Narayana Gowda said Sonu had spoken to him and acknowledged that his remarks had hurt Kannadigas. He added that there was no personal animosity towards the singer, whose songs people in Karnataka had enjoyed for years.

Narayana Gowda also said that the organisation's protest was a response to the remark and that it was time to put the controversy behind them.

He referred to legendary singers such as Ghantasala, PB Srinivas, Yesudas, S Janaki, Vani Jairam and KS Chithra, who were not Kannadigas but had contributed to Kannada film music and were loved by audiences in the state.

Calling music a source of comfort, he said he hoped Sonu would sing more Kannada songs and perform in Karnataka. He added that the KRV would end its protest following the apology.What was the controversy?

While affirming his respect for the people of Karnataka, he said the fan’s tone made him feel 'threatened'. He also referred to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, saying, "Yahi kaaran hai, Pahalgam mein jo hua hai na? Yahi kaaran hai jo kar rahe ho, jo kiya tha na abhi? (This is the reason for what happened in Pahalgam. This is the reason... what you did just now)."

His comment triggered widespread criticism from Kannadigas and pro-Kannada organisations, who accused him of insulting their language and sentiments.

As the backlash grew, Sonu released a video explaining his remarks. He said a few young men in the audience had been aggressive and had appeared to threaten him while demanding a Kannada song. He maintained that his comment was directed at their behaviour, rather than at Kannadigas as a whole.

However, his explanation failed to calm the anger, and the controversy continued. The singer had also apologised for his remarks. Sharing a post on Instagram, he wrote, "Sorry Karnataka, my love for you is bigger than my ego. Always love."

The issue resurfaced ahead of Sonu's scheduled concert at Bengaluru's Bharatiya Mall on October 24, 2026. Narayana Gowda had written to the Bengaluru police commissioner, urging the authorities not to grant permission for the event, alleging that the singer had insulted Kannadigas.

Sonu's apology has now prompted the KRV to call off its protest, bringing the latest chapter of the controversy to a close.- Ends