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Singer Sonu Nigam’s recent apology regarding his controversial remarks during a Bengaluru concert has failed to satisfy Kannada film director K Ramnarayan. The director has strongly condemned Nigam’s comments and announced the removal of the singer’s vocals from his upcoming Kannada film Kuladalli Keelyavudo, which is set to release in theatres on May 23.

“An apology is not enough. Connecting Kannada pride to a national tragedy like what happened in Pahalgam is a very grave mistake. He must face consequences for his words,” Ramnarayan told PTI. The director revealed that two songs originally sung by Nigam—Kuladalli Keelyavudo and Manasu Haadtade—will now be re-recorded with the track versions sung by Chethan Sosca.

Nigam had sung the title track, a tribute to the legendary Kannada song featured in Dr. Rajkumar’s 1965 film Satya Harishchandra. “That song is sacred in the Kannada film industry. Even today, orchestras end their sessions by playing it. How can someone who belittled us sing such a song?” Ramnarayan questioned.

The original version of Kuladalli Keelyavudo has already been taken down from YouTube. However, Manasu Haadtade, still remains available on Nigam’s official YouTube channel. Ramnarayan said they had initially liked the demo (track) versions recorded by Chethan Sosca and are now fine-tuning them for the final release.

Ramnarayan, who has directed seven films including the blockbuster Tyson, shared his long professional association with Nigam, highlighting the hit song Ninna Nodalentho from Mussanje Maatu, which earned Nigam a Filmfare Award. “We were proud of him back then. But just as he deserved that award, he now deserves a ban from the Kannada film industry. People of his stature should think carefully before speaking,” he added.

The controversy erupted after a live performance at a Bengaluru college on April 25, where Nigam responded sharply to repeated audience demands for him to sing in Kannada. The singer paused his performance and allegedly retorted, “Kannada. Kannada. This is the reason behind the incident in Pahalgam,” triggering outrage.

Following widespread backlash, Nigam issued a public apology via Instagram on Monday, stating, “Sorry, Karnataka. My love for you is bigger than my ego. Love you always.” Despite this, pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) filed a complaint against him, demanding accountability for his remarks.