Sonu Nigam
Indian playback singer (born 1973)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sonu Nigam (born 30 July 1973) is an Indian playback singer, music director, dubbing artist and actor.[6] He is considered as one of the most versatile and most popular singer of India with a very wide vocal range.[7][8][9][10][11][12] His songs vary from romantic to break-up, classical to devotional, Party to patriotic, ghazals to qawwali and rock to pop.[13][14][2] Nigam is considered as one of the greatest and most successful singers of all time in the history of Indian music industry.[15][16][17][18][19][20][21]
- Playback singer
- music director
- actor
- dubbing artist
Sonu Nigam | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 30 July 1973[1] |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Spouse |
Madhurima Nigam (m. 2002) |
| Children | 1 |
| Father | Agam Kumar Nigam |
| Relatives | Teesha Nigam (sister) |
| Awards | See below |
| Honours |
|
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument | Vocal |
| Label | |
Nigam sings predominantly in Hindi and Kannada language films. He has recorded over 6,000 songs in more than 32 languages throughout his career.[22][23][24] He has released a number of non-film albums and acted in some Hindi films.[25] Nigam has been awarded one National Film Award, two Filmfare Awards and two Filmfare Awards South and four IIFA Award for the Best Playback singer. He was ranked top artist on the Billboard Uncharted charts twice in September and October 2013. Nigam was honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award in 2022.
Sonu Nigam is known as the "Modern Rafi", a title given to him after his musical idol Mohammad Rafi.[13] Apart from Hindi and Kannada, he has sung in Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Odia, English, Assamese, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Nepali, Tulu, Maithili, and Manipuri. Overall, he has sung in more than 32 languages.[24][26][27] Nigam has released pop albums in Hindi, Kannada, Odia, Chhattisgarhi and Punjabi, as well as Hindu and Islamic devotional albums. He has released several Buddhist albums. Nigam has performed in countries in North America, Africa, Asia, Australia and in the Middle East and western countries.
Early and personal life
Sonu Nigam was born on 30 July 1973 to Agam Kumar Nigam and Shobha Nigam in the city of Faridabad, Haryana.[28][29] His father was from Agra and his mother was from Garhwal.[30] He has two sisters – Meenal Nigam, a yoga therapist,[31] and Teesha Nigam, a professional singer.[32]
Nigam began singing at the age of four, when he joined his father Agam Kumar Nigam on stage to sing Mohammed Rafi's song "Kya Hua Tera Wada".[33][34] Nigam began accompanying his father on his singing appearances at weddings and parties. He moved to Mumbai with his father to begin his Bollywood singing career at the age of 19.[27] He was trained by Hindustani classical singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.[35]
Nigam identifies as Hindu.[36] He married Madhurima Mishra on 15 February 2002.[37] They have a son.[38]
Nigam had changed his name to Sonu Niigaam citing numerology beliefs, but later decided to go back to his birth name.[39]
Career
1990s: Beginnings
Sonu Nigam began his career in early 1990s, initially overshadowed by Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu. His first song for a film was "O Aasmanwale" from Aaja Meri Jaan (1993). He gained recognition with TV serial song "Hum To Chhaila Ban Gaye" from Talash (1992) and later for songs "Accha Sila Diya" (Bewafa Sanam), "Sandese Aate Hai" (Border), and "Yeh Dil Deewana" (Pardes). His album Deewana (1999) became popular.[27]
2000s: Career peak
Notable hits include "Suraj Hua Maddham", "You Are My Soniya" (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham), "Panchi Nadiya Pawan Ke" (Refugee), "Tanhayee" (Dil Chahta Hai), and "Kal Ho Naa Ho" (Kal Ho Naa Ho), which earned him a National Film Award and Filmfare Award. He also performed internationally and released tribute albums for Mohammed Rafi such as Rafi Resurrected.[40]
2010–present: Later career and collaborations
He sang "Chori Kiya Re Jiya" (Dabangg), "Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin" (Agneepath), and "Tere Bin" (Wazir). Nigam collaborated internationally with Britney Spears, Avicii, Jermaine Jackson, and kshmr. He performed major live concerts worldwide, including "Rafi Kishore aur Main" (UK, 2021), and launched his NFT series. Nigam also launched the label 'I Believe Music' in 2020.[41][42]
In February 2026, Nigam featured on the track "Iss Tarah", by singer-songwriter Chaar Diwaari.[43]
Other works
As a host and judge
Nigam was the host of the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa music show from 1995 until 1999 and became household name.[44] He returned on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs International as a judge with Suresh Wadkar in October 2007. Nigam was a celebrity judge on the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Mega Challenge grand finale on 12 December 2009.
Nigam hosted the TV show Kisme Kitna Hai Dum on Star Plus in 2002. He appeared as the judge on Indian Idol in seasons 1 (October 2004 – March 2005) and 2 (November 2005 – April 2006), and was a celebrity judge in seasons 3 (17 August 2007) and 4 (16 January 2009 and 6 February 2009).[citation needed]
In 2006, Nigam hosted Life Ki Dhun with Sonu Nigaam on Radiocity 91.1 FM, interviewing musicians.[45] He appeared as a celebrity judge on STAR Voice of India in August 2007 (Season 1) and in December 2008 (Season 2), and on the grand finale of music reality show Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star on 12 July 2008. Nigam was a judge/mentor on Chhote Ustaad – Do Deshon Ki Ek Awaaz (July – October 2010) with Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and was a judge/mentor on the first season of X Factor (India) (29 May – 2 September 2011) along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shreya Ghoshal.[44] On 23 August 2015, he appeared on "The Anupam Kher Show" sharing his life experiences. He has been also one of the three judges of Indian Idol 2016–17.
Sonu has also hosted 3rd Mirchi Music Awards,[46] 6th Mirchi Music Awards,[47] 8th Mirchi Music Awards,[48] 9th Mirchi Music Awards,[49] 10th Mirchi Music Awards,[50] 11th Mirchi Music Awards,[51] 13th Mirchi Music Awards[52] and 14th Mirchi Music awards[53] In 2021, Sonu Nigam appeared as one of the judges in the Bengali music reality show Super Singer Season 3 on Star Jalsha, along with Kumar Sanu and Kaushiki Chakraborty.
Singing style and influence
Sonu Nigam is considered as one of the most versatile singers in the history of Indian music industry.[54][55][56] Forbes India has recognised Sonu Nigam as one of the most versatile singers in India.[57] Additionally, entertainment platform Radio Mirchi, music company Saregama, and media outlet Outlook India have recognised Sonu Nigam as the most versatile Indian singer of his generation. [58][59][60] Nigam is widely regarded as the Lord of Chords in the Indian music industry.[61][62][63] Times of India said Nigam is one of the best live performers in India.[64] India TV and the London Singing Institute have included him in the list of the top 10 Indian singers of all time.[65][66] He is often compared to Mohammed Rafi for similar voice texture.[67][68][69][70] Lata Mangeshkar said of him, "Among contemporary singers, I like Sonu Nigam best. He is serious about his music, has learnt classical and sings with confidence."[71] Singer Armaan Malik takes a lot of inspiration from him.[72] Singer and musician Ankit Tiwari cites Nigam as one of his musical inspirations.[73] Shreya Ghoshal considers Sonu her favourite contemporary singer.[74] Sunidhi Chauhan says his singing is so perfect that if you listen to him live, you won't be able to tell if he's singing live or in the studio.[75] Arijit Singh said that Sonu Nigam is the ultimate versatile singer, whose versatility is impossible for anyone to match, and no singer today can sing as flawlessly as he does.[76][77] Palash Sen of Euphoria called Sonu Nigam the most talented singer in Bollywood. S. P. Balasubrahmanyam also appreciated his singing.[78]
Awards and honours
Nigam has received several major awards including the Padma Shri (2022), National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer (2004), multiple Filmfare Awards and Filmfare Awards South, and four IIFA Awards. He has also received an Oscar nomination in 2014 for the film Jal.[79]
- 2004 – National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for "Kal Ho Naa Ho" – Kal Ho Naa Ho
- 2004 – Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer for "Kal Ho Naa Ho" – Kal Ho Naa Ho
- Multiple years – IIFA Award for Best Male Playback Singer for songs including "Suraj Hua Maddham" and "Kal Ho Naa Ho"
- 2022 – Padma Shri
- Oscar nomination – 2014, Best Original Song for Jal (with Bickram Ghosh)
- Significant regional awards – Filmfare Awards South (Kannada), Zee Cine Awards, Screen Awards
- Other recognitions – Mirchi Music Awards, GIMA Awards, Lokmat Sur Jyotsna Award, Champions of Change Award, Doctorate from Teerthanker Mahaveer University
Discography
As a music director
| Year | Film |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Sooper Se Ooper |
| Singh Saab The Great | |
| 2014 | Jal |
| 2017 | Half Widow |
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Pyaara Dushman | Child artist | |
| 1982 | Ustadi Ustad Se | Young Rajesh | |
| Kaamchor | Sonu | ||
| 1983 | Betaab | Sunny | |
| 2002 | Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani | Vivek Saxena | |
| 2003 | Kash Aap Hamare Hote | Jai Kumar | |
| 2004 | Love in Nepal | Abby | |
| 2005 | Navra Maza Navsacha | Marathi film; guest appearance in a song | |
| 2013 | Warning | Guest appearance in the song "Takeedein" | |
| 2016 | Raakh | Guest appearance in song 'Bas Itna Hai Kahena" | |
| 2019 | Spotless | Varun | Short film[80] |
| SP Chauhan | Himself | Guest appearance in song 'Ishq Ki Gali' | |
| 2024 | Navra Maza Navsacha 2 | Himself | Marathi film; guest appearance in a song |
Dubbing work
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–2000 | Sa Re Ga Ma Pa | Host | [83] | |
| 2002 | Kisme Kitna Hai Dum | Host | ||
| 2004–2006 | Indian Idol | Judge | season 1–2 | |
| 2005 | Sensational Sonu Nigam – Making of a Star | Himself | [84] | |
| 2007 | Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs International | Judge | ||
| 2010 | Chhote Ustaad 2 | Judge | ||
| 2011 | X Factor India | Judge | ||
| 3rd Mirchi Music Awards | Host | |||
| 2012 | Zee Rishtey Awards 2012 | Host | [85] | |
| 2013 | MTV Unplugged | Singer | ||
| Kaun Banega Crorepati | Special Appearance | [86] | ||
| 2014 | 6th Mirchi Music Awards | Host | ||
| 2015 | Suron Ke Rang Colors Ke Sang | Host | ||
| 2016 | 8th Mirchi Music Awards | Host | ||
| 2016–2017 | Indian Idol | Judge | season 9 | |
| 2017 | 9th Mirchi Music Awards | Host | ||
| 2018 | 10th Mirchi Music Awards | Host | ||
| 2019 | 11th Mirchi Music Awards | Host | ||
| 2020 | Sangeet Setu – Artists' Care for India | Singer | [87] | |
| Super Singer (Season 2) Star Jalsha | Guest | Super Finale episode | [88] | |
| 2021 | 13th Mirchi Music Awards | Host | [89] | |
| Unacademy Unwind With MTV | Singer | |||
| Super Singer season 3 (Bengali) | Judge | [90] | ||
| 2022 | Naam Reh Jaayega | Host | [91] |
Controversies
In 2015, Sonu Nigam claimed that ZEE Music Company had banned him after he publicly supported Kumar Vishwas on Twitter. [92]
On 16 April 2017, he tweeted a series of complaints about the amplified azan, the Muslim call to prayer, describing it as an enforced display of religion. He tweeted:
- " God bless everyone. I'm not a Muslim and I have to be woken up by the Azaan in the morning. When will this forced religiousness end in India."
- " And by the way Mohammed did not have electricity when he made Islam.. Why do I have to have this cacophony after Edison?"
- "I don't believe in any temple or gurudwara using electricity To wake up people who don't follow the religion. Why then..? Honest? True?"
- " Gundagardi hai bus..."[93]
In his later tweet he stated that he stands by his statement.[94] He later clarified that he does not oppose any specific religious ritual, but rather the use of loudspeakers on religious buildings. According to the law, he said, the use of loudspeakers to create noise pollution should be prohibited at certain times of day, regardless of the source. [95] Later, Sonu sparked controversy again when he posted a video of Azaan from his home, proving that he had indeed been disturbed in the early hours of the morning. [96] Syed Sha Atef Ali Al Quaderi, vice-president of the West Bengal United Minority Council, offered a ₹10 lakh reward for shaving Sonu Nigam's head. In response, Nigam shaved his own head in order to claim the reward. [97] He deactivated his Twitter account in 2017 citing lack of freedom of speech, and said that sensible discussions were not possible due to the polarised atmosphere.[98]
Following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in June 2020, Sonu Nigam posted a video in which he accused two major companies of monopolising the music industry and discriminating against him. He urged these companies to treat newcomers fairly. Although he did not name anyone, he made it clear that malpractice in Bollywood was widespread and almost destroying the country's musical talent. [99] Sonu Nigam insisted that he had not named anyone, but was merely expressing his opinion on malpractice within the Bollywood music industry. However, in a second video, he names Bhushan Kumar, the CEO of T-Series, and tells him to stay away. [100]
In February 2022, he was accused of collaborating with Rocky and Rehan Siddiqui, both of whom have been blacklisted by the Consulate General of India for malpractice and for supporting Pakistan-based terrorist groups. When US-based concert promoter Rajender Singh Pahl approached him about performing at an event, he recommended Pahl contact Siddiqui. [101][102][103]
In December 2023, Omer Nadeem, a singer from Pakistan, accused Nigam of plagiarising his song "Aye Khuda" with the track "Sun Zara" released by T-Series (company).[104][105] Sonu further clarified and wrote that "Just so you all know, I have nothing to do with this. I was requested to do the song by KRK (Kamaal R. Khan), who is my neighbour in Dubai . . . If I had heard Omer's version, I would have never sung it".[106]
In May 2025, Sonu Nigam faced backlash and an FIR after linking the demand to sing in Kannada at a concert in Bengaluru to the Pahalgam terrorist attack. This prompted outrage from pro-Kannada groups. In his defence, Nigam claimed that he had been threatened and insisted that he intended to condemn hate speech, not the Kannada community. [107]
