12 August,2026 04:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sonu Nigam. Pic via Instagram
Singer Sonu Nigam has addressed the viral moment when he appeared irritated after being asked about student protests and avoided the question, clarifying that his decision not to comment was about respecting the event's purpose.
The singer was attending a media interaction centred on his tribute to late singer Pankaj Udhas when reporters questioned him about the ongoing student agitation. A video from the interaction subsequently went viral, with Nigam seen repeatedly asking the reporters to stop before ending the conversation.
Speaking to Times of India, Nigam explained that he has followed one basic rule during his more than three decades in Mumbai, to stick to the agenda of a press conference.
"Always adhere to the agenda of the occasion and do not let conversation wander to disconnected matters," Nigam said, adding that discussing politics during an event dedicated to his Guru Pankaj Udhas was disrespectful in his view. He said, "Talking politics when you have come to talk about your tribute to your Guru Pankaj Udhas is disrespectful in my eyes. And I would very politely expect the press and media gathered to maintain the same decorum."
The singer also revealed that his decision was partly influenced by advice from his father. Nigam said he had promised not to comment on matters he did not have sufficient knowledge about.
He further claimed that he does not keep social media on his phone and that his life currently revolves around music and bhakti. Nigam also pointed to his history of speaking out on issues he felt strongly about, including the use of loudspeakers at religious places and royalty rights for performers.
According to him, he believes it is now up to others to take forward causes that matter to them rather than expecting every celebrity to comment on every issue.
The singer's explanation comes after his original exchange drew mixed reactions online. Some users criticised Nigam for refusing to address the students' concerns, while others defended his decision, arguing that celebrities should not be pressured into commenting on every social or political issue.
The student protests stemmed from allegations of irregularities surrounding the NEET examination, with protesters demanding greater accountability and reforms.
Several members of the entertainment industry have previously expressed solidarity with students, including Salman Khan, Kamal Haasan, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, Alia Bhatt and Aditi Rao Hydari.
Meanwhile, Nigam has also recently spoken about his health after experiencing severe pain reportedly linked to a pinched nerve. He later shared details of treatment for a recurring growth on his left ring finger.
Despite the recent controversies and health concerns, the singer maintains that music remains his primary focus, while making it clear that his silence on the student protests should not be interpreted as an unwillingness to take a stand on issues altogether.
