A recent incident in Bengaluru has ignited discussions on social media regarding the changing dynamics of music played in local pubs. A man named Abhayjeet AJ reported that his evening at a pub was interrupted by Kannada activists who pressured management to play Kannada music instead of the usual English or Hindi music. He expressed his frustration on social media, questioning if Bengaluru had transformed into a place that rejects music in other languages, asking, “Are we in India or is Bengaluru a different country?”
His post quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions. Many users criticized his perspective, reminding him that Kannada is one of India’s national languages and deserves recognition in public spaces. One commenter reminisced about a similar experience from 2016 when he was asked to leave a pub for requesting Kannada songs, highlighting how attitudes have shifted over the years.
The growing trend of promoting Kannada music in pubs reflects broader cultural sentiments among local groups advocating for the preservation of regional identity. As the conversation continues, it raises important questions about cultural representation and inclusivity in Bengaluru’s vibrant nightlife.