Sonu Nigam

Sonu Nigam is a singer, music director and actor, known for his passionate and pitch-perfect stage performances. He was named for the Padma Shri in 2022 in the field of art, from Maharashtra ^[1].

Singing from the age of four

Nigam was born in Faridabad on 30 July 1973 to the singers Agam Kumar Nigam and Shobha Nigam, and began singing at four ^[2]. He learned music from Mohd Tahir in Delhi and later from Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan in Mumbai ^[2]. From 14 he juggled school, practice, concerts and recording jingles and albums in Delhi ^[2].

Sa Re Ga Ma and the hits

In 1995 he co-created and hosted Sa Re Ga Ma, an early televised music competition that brought veteran and young singers together and made him a household name ^[2]. In 1997 came his first big film hits, Sandese Aate Hain, a tribute to Indian soldiers, and Ye Dil Deewana ^[2]. His albums Deewana, Jaan and Classically Mild sold widely ^[2].

He has sung more than 6,000 songs in more than 28 languages, including Suraj Hua Maddham, Saathiya, Main Hoon Na and Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin ^[2]. He won the National Film Award for Kal Ho Naa Ho, along with Filmfare awards ^[2]. He has also composed music, judged music shows such as Indian Idol, and acted ^[2].