‘Why only Tamil songs?’: Kannada activists stop concert at Bengaluru’s Forum Mall

A group of Kannada activists stopped a live performance in Bengaluru's Forum Mall.

A live music show at Forum Mall was briefly halted after members of a pro-Kannada group objected to the programme, triggering a wider debate on language and cultural representation in the city.

The disruption occurred when activists from Karnataka Rakshana Vedike alleged that the event did not feature a Kannada name board and that the performance consisted solely of Tamil songs, with no Kannada music included.

Following complaints from members, the organisation’s state president Praveen Shetty entered the venue and asked the organisers to stop the ongoing performance. He reportedly insisted that Kannada songs be played instead, arguing that events held in Bengaluru must give priority to the local language.

Mall officials alerted the police after the situation escalated. Personnel from the Koramangala police station soon arrived at the spot and intervened to prevent further disruption.

Take a look at the video

Videos from inside the mall later went viral on social media. In one clip, an activist is seen taking the microphone from the performer and addressing the audience, saying that it was unfortunate Kannada songs were not being played “in the land of Bengaluru built by Kempegowda.” He urged attendees to enjoy Kannada music, learn the language, and questioned why Tamil songs were being played, asking whether the venue was in Tamil Nadu.

🚨 Bengaluru: Tension erupted at a music concert in Forum Mall, Koramangala following alleged language-related issues. pic.twitter.com/o8tsCcsFfv

— Akshay Kumar (@akshay_vicky) February 9, 2026

The viral footage sparked a sharp online debate. One user, identifying as a Tamilian working in Bengaluru, said they supported the demand, adding that while Tamil songs could be played, Kannada should be prioritised in Karnataka. Another user disagreed, arguing that Kannada songs are rarely accommodated in Tamil Nadu and that playing Tamil music in Bengaluru should not be an issue.

Others reacted with sarcasm. One comment mocked the selective enforcement of language pride, suggesting activists should also question why English dominates workplaces in Bengaluru’s tech offices.