Oh, Sonu Nigam. You have to hand it to the man, he’s really all over the place when it comes to religious debates (remember the entire azaan debacle) or overtly frivolous opinions. The singer left social media behind after the azaan whirlwind, deleting his Twitter account after receiving tremendous hate – he’s back now, and not exactly in the best way really. He spoke at an Indian talk show ‘Manthan Aaj Tak’ whereby he talked about the national anthem. Sonu responded to a decision made by the Indian Supreme Court that will allow the Indian national anthem to be played in public places.
Sonu disagreed that the Indian anthem should be allowed to be played in theatres and restaurants because it was “prestigious” and “sensitive”
He claimed that a national anthem “should not be played at in a cinema.” The singer waded into the endless debate that has strung the entire nation and further went on to discuss the similarity between the national anthem and one’s parents He said, “I respect my parents and if I know they will not be respected at certain places, why should I take them there? I want them to be respected when they go out. Similarly, the national anthem should not be played at places where it will not be respected.”
Sonu went on to praise the Pakistani national anthem (a bit randomly if you ask us) after declaring he would stand up for any country’s national anthem, including that of Pakistan
“If the national anthem of Pakistan is played and all Pakistanis are standing, I will also stand out of respect for that country and those people If I am a good and understanding person I will stand up for the national anthem of any country” Sonu said.
थिएटर में राष्ट्रगान गलत: सोनू निगम #MumbaiManthan #ATVideo
पूरा कार्यक्रम देखने के लिए:https://t.co/666pwOFNhc pic.twitter.com/lRJQR1xlUm— आज तक (@aajtak) October 26, 2017
Sonu Nigam’s claims have angered Indians
In my opinion whn ppl can stand in long queues 4 overpriced popcorn & samosas shouldn't have issues standing 52seconds 4 #NationalAnthem ??
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) October 25, 2017
Including famous lyricist Javed Akhtar
Some thing is seriously wrong with those Indians who don’t get touched and don’t feel any reverence when they hear the the national anthem
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) October 24, 2017
Many threw shade indirectly at Sonu’s opinion
Correct… you sud do what ever u wish. I don't say play #NationalAnthem in theatres. I say, I will stand if it's played… where ever. Hope I am clear ?? https://t.co/SfRqvv8yyJ
— Annup Sonii (@Anupsonicp) October 26, 2017
I will always stand up for our Natl Anthem & sing along,which I do with great pride.Never understood why it ws mandatory n cinema halls only
— arvind swami (@thearvindswami) October 24, 2017
@SonuNigammyself people like you can even sell our country for publicity! #sonunigam stop this politics
— karan singh jaryal (@ksj7777) October 27, 2017
A few suggested Sonu leave India and move to Pakistan
He should go to Pakistan ? this word would be Come if his name was Muhammad Sonu. fortunately his Name is #SonuNigam.So there is no problem https://t.co/b3q9pEpZlG
— RayeesVP (@RayeesVP2) October 26, 2017
And some had some questionable theories
YE PAKISTAN KA AGENT H
— deepu rastogi (@deepurastogi) October 26, 2017
A few agreed with the singer
I second #SonuNigam's opinion.
— Kulamani Muduli (@thisissanu) October 27, 2017
Theatre is not right place for national anthem
— sonu malik (@Sonumalik165) October 27, 2017
Excellent sonu ..
— Hrishikesh Jurmure (@HJurmure) October 26, 2017
Oh and then there’s always the true patriot Adnan Sami with his opinion
Hey, it’s the National Anthem;
GET UP…PERIOD!
Go argue about something else!— Adnan Sami (@AdnanSamiLive) October 25, 2017
What are your thoughts on Sonu’s statements?