Sonu Nigam

2021-11-03T15:41:33Z

RajpootRahul: /* As a host and judge */

{{short description|Indian singer}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Sonu Nigam
| background = solo_singer
| image = SonuNigam01.jpg
| caption = Sonu Nigam at [[Zee Cine Award]]s, 2013
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|07|30|df=y}}<ref
name="Biography">{{cite news |title=Biography |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/singer-of-the-week/sonu-nigam/biography/articleshow/7310398.cms |access-date=22 September 2016 |work=[[The Times of India]] |agency=TNN |date=18 January 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160923072010/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/singer-of-the-week/sonu-nigam/biography/articleshow/7310398.cms |archive-date=23 September 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Faridabad]], Haryana, India<ref name="Biography"/>
| genre = {{hlist|Filmi music|Classical music|}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|music director|actor}}
| instrument =
| label = [[Sony Music India|Sony Music]], [[Super Cassettes Industries T-Series|T-Series]], [[Tips Industries|Tips]], [[Saregama]]
| years_active = 1992–present
}}
'''Sonu Nigam''' (born 30 July 1973)<ref name="dob">{{cite web |last1=Sen |first1=Sushmita |title=Happy Birthday Sonu Nigam: Lesser Known Facts and Popular Tracks of the Singing Sensation |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/happy-birthday-sonu-nigam-lesser-known-facts-popular-tracks-singing-sensation-video-640905 |website=International Business Times, India Edition |access-date=14 May 2016 |date=30 July 2015 |archive-date=4 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604035210/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/happy-birthday-sonu-nigam-lesser-known-facts-popular-tracks-singing-sensation-video-640905 |url-status=live }}</ref> is an Indian singer, music director and actor.<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 July 2019|title=Sonu Nigam Birthday: The 10 Absolute Best Songs from the Singer|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/sonu-nigam-birthday-the-5-absolute-best-songs-from-the-singer-2250985.html|access-date=22 June 2020|website=News18|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626034126/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/sonu-nigam-birthday-the-5-absolute-best-songs-from-the-singer-2250985.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He sings predominantly in [[Hindi]] and [[Kannada]] language films but has also sung in [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Nepali language|Nepali]], [[Malayalam]], [[Tulu language|Tulu]] and other Indian languages.<ref name="languages"/> Nigam has also released a number of albums and acted in some Hindi films.<ref>{{cite news |title=It's Nigam, not Niigaam, Says Sonu |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-08/news-and-interviews/28225350_1_sonu-nigam-change-phase |access-date=3 April 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=8 September 2010 |archive-date=5 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905013636/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-08/news-and-interviews/28225350_1_sonu-nigam-change-phase |url-status=live }}</ref> He is known as the “Modern Rafi” after his idol [[Mohammed Rafi|Mohammad Rafi]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lee|first=Musical|date=23 June 2018|title=Why Sonu Nigam is the Best Indian Singer of 20th Century|url=https://medium.com/@musical.lee/why-sonu-nigam-is-the-best-indian-singer-of-20th-century-cd014d095869|access-date=18 December 2020|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref> Sonu has won multiple awards including a nomination for academy awards<ref>{{Cite news|title=Bickram, Sonu Nigam nominated for Oscars|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bengali/music/Bickram-Sonu-Nigam-nominated-for-Oscars/articleshow/45522963.cms|access-date=23 December 2020|work=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
== Life and background ==
[[File:Sonu Nigam & Madhurima Nigam at Rakesh Roshan’s birthday bash.jpg|thumb|200px|Sonu Nigam with wife Madhurima Nigam at [[Rakesh Roshan]]'s birthday, 2017]]
Sonu Nigam was born on 30 July 1973 to Agam Kumar Nigam and Shobha Nigam in the city of [[Faridabad]], Haryana.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sonunigam.in/about-me.php |title=Sonu Nigam: About Me |publisher=Sonu Nigam |access-date=28 November 2015 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208071304/http://sonunigam.in/about-me.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> His father was from [[Agra]] and his mother was from [[Garhwal division|Garhwal]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=I've had marital problems in the past, but I am sorted now: Sonu Nigam |first=Aasheesh |last=Sharma |work=Hindustan Times |date=6 September 2014 |access-date=16 January 2019 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/i-ve-had-marital-problems-in-the-past-but-i-am-sorted-now-sonu-nigam/story-CWyPiEzUo8qlXDob2Hv83O.html |archive-date=16 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116100155/https://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/i-ve-had-marital-problems-in-the-past-but-i-am-sorted-now-sonu-nigam/story-CWyPiEzUo8qlXDob2Hv83O.html |url-status=live }}</ref> His sister [[Teesha Nigam]] is also a professional singer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mid-day.com/articles/sonu-nigam-younger-sister-teesha-sings-music-debut-bollywood-news/17673162|title=Say's Younger Sister Teesha Sings Like A Monster|date=10 October 2016|work=Mid-Day|access-date=6 February 2018}}</ref>

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".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-03/news-and-interviews/37390250_1_sonu-nigam-mumbai-singer |work=The Times Of India |title=Sonu Nigam: My mother was my best ally — The Times of India |access-date=9 December 2013 |archive-date=14 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214112625/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-03/news-and-interviews/37390250_1_sonu-nigam-mumbai-singer |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Kaminsky|first1=Arnold P.|last2=Long|first2=Roger D. |title=India Today: An Encyclopedia of Life in the Republic [2 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of Life in the Republic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VVxlfDHGTFYC&pg=PA404|date=23 September 2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-37463-0|pages=404–|access-date=25 August 2014}}</ref> 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 26.<ref name="earlyyears">{{cite web |title=Sonu Nigam |url=http://www.sonuniigaam.in/aboutme.php |access-date=25 July 2008 |archive-date=15 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915065242/http://www.sonuniigaam.in/aboutme.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was trained by Hindustani classical singer [[Ghulam Mustafa Khan (singer)|Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle/music/a-look-at-the-rise-and-careers-of-sonu-nigam-and-atif-aslam-ahead-of-their-concert-tomorrow |title=A look at the rise and careers of Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam ahead of their concert tomorrow |publisher=Abu Dahbi Media |access-date=27 November 2015 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225225830/https://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/a-look-at-the-rise-and-careers-of-sonu-nigam-and-atif-aslam-ahead-of-their-concert-tomorrow-1.124304 |url-status=live }}</ref>

He married Madhurima Mishra on 15 February 2002.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sonu Nigam weds city belle |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Sonu-Nigam-weds-city-belle/articleshow/1089529.cms |access-date=8 November 2016 |work=[[The Times of India]] |agency=PTI |date=15 February 2002 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161108185254/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Sonu-Nigam-weds-city-belle/articleshow/1089529.cms |archive-date=8 November 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> They have a son named Nevaan.<ref>{{cite newspaper |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Sonus-son-sings-with-Lata/articleshow/6387008.cms |title=Sonu's son sings with Lata! |newspaper=[[Times of India]] |date=22 August 2010 |access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404204617/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Sonus-son-sings-with-Lata/articleshow/6387008.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

Nigam had changed his name to ''Sonu Niigaam'' citing numerology beliefs, but later decided to go back to his birth name.<ref>{{cite web|title=It's Nigam, not Niigaam, says Sonu|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Its-Nigamnot-Niigaam-says-Sonu/articleshow/6512924.cms|date=8 September 2010|access-date=29 December 2019|archive-date=5 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105202630/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Its-Nigamnot-Niigaam-says-Sonu/articleshow/6512924.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Own label===
Nigam has launched{{When|date=July 2020}} his own music label on 30 July 2020 named 'I Believe Music' and "Rudhrashtakam" is the first track to release under the label.<ref>{{Cite news|others=Special Correspondent|date=31 July 2020|title=Sonu Nigam launches music label with a devotional single|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/sonu-nigam-launches-his-music-label-i-believe-music-with-the-devotional-single-rudhrashtakam/article32238503.ece|access-date=23 March 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/music/sonu-nigam-to-release-his-next-single-rudrashtakam-under-his-label.html|website=Republicworld|title=Sonu Nigam to release his 1st single 'Rudrashtakam' under his new label|language=en|url-status=live|access-date=30 July 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011211414/https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/music/sonu-nigam-to-release-his-next-single-rudrashtakam-under-his-label.html}}</ref>
==Singing and composing work==
[[File:Sonu Nigam121.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|left]]
He has recorded Romantic, Rock, Sad, Devotional, Ghazal and Patriotic songs. He has sung in: [[Hindi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], English, [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Kannada]], [[Maithili language|Maithili]], [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]], [[Meitei language|Manipuri]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Nepali language|Nepali]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]] and [[Telugu language|Telugu]] till date.<ref name="languages">{{cite news |title=Sonu Nigam and Neha Kakkar to sing a Jagrata track for Vaishno Devi – Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/sonu-nigam-and-neha-kakkar-to-sing-a-jagrata-track-for-vaishno-devi/articleshow/72129077.cms |access-date=9 April 2020 |work=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=19 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119201202/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/sonu-nigam-and-neha-kakkar-to-sing-a-jagrata-track-for-vaishno-devi/articleshow/72129077.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="earlyyears" /> 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, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. In May–June 2007, he participated in The Incredibles tour with [[Asha Bhosle]], [[Kunal Ganjawala]], and [[Kailash Kher]]. In September–October of the same year, he gave solo concerts titled Simply Sonu in Canada and Germany, the first Indian singer to do so.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonu Nigam's Tour to Germany |url=http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07/aug/08_sonu_nigams_tour_to_germany_080701.asp |access-date=25 July 2008 |archive-date=31 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331142912/http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07/aug/08_sonu_nigams_tour_to_germany_080701.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> In April 2008, he toured India promoting his Punjabi single "Punjabi Please".<ref>{{cite web |title=Close-Up and BIG 92.7 FM bring Sonu Nigam's concert |url=http://itvx.net/2008/04/18/close-up-and-big-927-fm-bring-sonu-nigam%E2%80%99s-concert/ |access-date=25 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230074852/http://itvx.net/2008/04/18/close-up-and-big-927-fm-bring-sonu-nigam%E2%80%99s-concert/ |archive-date=30 December 2008}}</ref>
=== 1992-1999: Starting of his career ===
Sonu Nigam released his first song "O Aasman Wale" from the movie ''[[Aaja Meri Jaan]]'' (1992). He released his first album "Rafi Ki Yaadein" in 1992. After this, he sung in some movies, including ''[[Muqabla (1993 film)|Muqabla]]'' (1993), ''[[Veerta]]'' (1993),''[[Sainik (1993 film)|Sainik]]'' (1993), ''[[Meherbaan|Meherban]]'' (1993), ''[[Shabnam]]'' (1993), ''[[Kasam Teri Kasam (1993 film)|Kasam Teri Kasam]]'' (1993), ''[[Bheega Bheega Sa]]'' (1998), ''[[Aag (1994 film)|Aag]]'' (1994), ''[[Khuddar]]'' (1994), ''[[Hulchul (1995 film)|Hulchul]]'' (1994), ''[[Stuntman (film)|Stuntman]]'' (1994), ''[[Ram Jaane|Ramjaane]]'' (1995), ''[[Khiladiyon ka Khiladi]]'' (1996), ''[[Gaddaar (1995 film)|Gaddaar]]'' (1995), ''[[Sarfarosh (1999 film)|Sarfarosh]]'' (1999), ''[[Dand Nayak]]'' (1998), ''[[Dil Se]]'' (1998), ''[[Jaanwar (1999 film)|Jaanwar]]'' (1999), ''[[Mast]]'' (1999), ''[[Sangharsh (1999 film)|Sangharsh]]'' (1999), ''[[Barsaat (1995 film)|Barsaat]]'' (1995), ''[[Aur Pyar Ho Gaya]]'' (1997), ''[[Badal]]'' (1999), ''[[Dulhe Raja]]'' (1998), ''[[Jeet (1996 film)|Jeet]]'' (1996), ''[[Hero No. 1]]'' (1997), ''[[Soldier(1998 film)|Soldier]]'' (1998), ''[[Jeans(1998 film)|Jeans]]'' (1998), ''[[Devta(1998 film)|Devta]]'' (1998), ''[[Cheetah(1994 film)|Cheetah]]'' (1994), ''[[Maharaja]]'' (1998), ''[[Himmatvar]]'' (1996), ''[[Shera (film)|Shera]]'' (1999), ''[[Sooryavansham]]'' (1999), etc. He began hosting the TV show, ''[[Sa Re Ga Ma]]'' in 1995 and sang "Accha Sila Diya" for the film ''[[Bewafa Sanam]]'', achieving greater success. In the same year,<ref name="earlyyears" /> he sang the [[Anu Malik]]-composed song "[[Sandese Aate Hai]]" in ''[[Border (1997 film)|Border]]'' and performed the [[Nadeem-Shravan]]-composed song "Yeh Dil Deewana" in ''[[Pardes (film)|Pardes]]'' in 1997. Nigam's album ''[[Deewana (album)|Deewana]]'', with music directed by [[Sajid-Wajid]], was released by T-Series in 1999.
=== 2000-2010s: Multiple awards and nominations ===
Nigam provided playback singing for Hindi movies, including the title song for the film ''[[Kal Ho Naa Ho]]'' in 2003 to "[[Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin]]" for ''[[Agneepath (2012 film)|Agneepath]]'' in 2012 However, from the past few years, he has become selective about his songs so that he can focus more on creative works. His upcoming project with [[Bickram Ghosh]] named "Bollywood Retro" is one such project.

Nigam has released albums of [[Mohammed Rafi]]'s songs including ''Rafi Ki Yaadein'', a collection early in his career, which was re-released in Rafi's memory in September 2007 as a six-disc collection of 100 songs, titled ''Kal Aaj Aur Kal''.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=www.indiaglitz.com |title=Sonu Nigam pays homage to Mohd Rafi |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/33495.html |access-date=25 July 2008 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225171848/https://www.indiaglitz.com/hindi |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2008, soon after releasing ''Classically Mild'', he released a single Punjabi track entitled "Punjabi Please"<ref>{{cite web |title=Big FM launches Sonu Niigaam single Punjabi Please |url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k8/mar/mar34.php |access-date=25 July 2008 |date=3 March 2008 |archive-date=5 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905232255/http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k8/mar/mar34.php |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''Rafi Resurrected'', a two-disc collection of Rafi songs with music by the [[City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra|Birmingham Symphony Orchestra]]. He contributed to the lyrics of several songs and directed the music for his album ''Chanda Ki Doli''.

After the death of [[Michael Jackson]], Nigam released a song as a tribute to Jackson which was included on the tribute album ''The Beat of Our Hearts''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Jackson Trubute portrait |url=http://michaeljacksontributeportrait.com/article.php?article_id=232 |access-date=15 November 2010 |archive-date=18 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218011554/http://michaeljacksontributeportrait.com/article.php?article_id=232 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In November 2007, at the inauguration of [[Harvard University|Harvard]] University's 28th president, [[Drew Gilpin Faust]], Nigam sang [[Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi|Mahatma Gandhi]]'s favourite [[bhajan]], "Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye", with the Harvard College Sangeet.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonu Nigam invited to perform at Harvard University |url=http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07/oct/06_sonu_nigam_100704.asp |access-date=4 August 2011 |archive-date=12 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512024956/http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07/oct/06_sonu_nigam_100704.asp |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2008, he participated in a three-city tour of the United Kingdom, singing Rafi songs with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). This followed the release of these songs by the CBSO and the Indian music company [[Sa Re Ga Ma]] on ''Rafi Resurrected''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonu Nigam's new album 'Rafi Resurrected' in July this year |url=http://news.oneindia.in/2007/04/19/sonu-nigams-new-album-rafi-resurrected-in-july-this-year-1176955506.html |access-date=25 July 2008 |date=19 April 2007 |archive-date=4 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904192231/http://news.oneindia.in/2007/04/19/sonu-nigams-new-album-rafi-resurrected-in-july-this-year-1176955506.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

He participated in a US tour with [[Sunidhi Chauhan]] in 2009 called The Explosion 2009 tour and in a UK tour titled ''All Izz Well'' in November 2010. In 2011, Nigam collaborated with Kakas Entertainment and [[Laxmikant–Pyarelal]] for a Maestros Concert performing Mohammed Rafi songs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/top-singers-100-musicians-at-laxmikantpyarelal-concert/789055/ |title=Top singers, 100 musicians at Laxmikant-Pyarelal concert |publisher=Indian Express |date=12 May 2011 |access-date=25 August 2014 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011211353/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/top-singers-100-musicians-at-laxmikantpyarelal-concert/789055 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== 2010-present: Continuing work in Bollywood and multiple concerts ===
In 2011, Nigam collaborated with [[Britney Spears]] on a remix of her "[[I Wanna Go]]" track,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sonu Nigam and Britney Spears to sing together |url=http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2011/jul/140711-informer-1.htm |publisher=mid-day.com |access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-date=23 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623191259/http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2011/jul/140711-informer-1.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>*[http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-14/news-and-interviews/29772881_1_sonu-nigam-britney-spears-baby-one-more-time Sonu Nigam collaborates with Britney Spears] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.is/20130103104842/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-14/news-and-interviews/29772881_1_sonu-nigam-britney-spears-baby-one-more-time |date=3 January 2013 }}</ref> and with DJ [[Avicii]] on his song "Indian Levels", produced by Avicii in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Why-the-Sonu-Nigam-Avicii-track-took-a-year/articleshow/17518336.cms |title=Why the Sonu Nigam-Avicii track took a year! |work=The Times of India |date=7 December 2012 |access-date=28 November 2015 |archive-date=19 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119122202/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/Why-the-Sonu-Nigam-Avicii-track-took-a-year/articleshow/17518336.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> He composed the title track of the film ''[[Singh Saab The Great]]'' in 2013 and has also composed music for other films including: ''[[Sooper Se Ooper]]'' and ''[[Jal (film)|Jal]]'', in collaboration with percussionist [[Bickram Ghosh]] in the same year.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

He was ranked the Number 1 artist on the US Billboard Uncharted charts twice in September and October 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2013-09-07/uncharted |title=Uncharted : Sep 07, 2013 | Billboard Chart Archive |publisher=Billboard.com |date=7 September 2013 |access-date=25 August 2014 |archive-date=21 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621065227/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2013-09-07/uncharted |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2013-10-05/uncharted |title=Uncharted : Oct 05, 2013 | Billboard Chart Archive |publisher=Billboard.com |date=5 October 2013 |access-date=25 August 2014 |archive-date=9 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909202744/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2013-10-05/uncharted |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2015, Nigam recorded a song with the music director [[Mohammed Zahur Khayyam|Khayyam]] for the upcoming project titled ''Gulam Bandhu''.<ref name="Indian Express">{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/words-not-enough-to-praise-sonu-nigam-khayyam/ |title=Words not enough to praise Sonu Nigam: Khayyam |publisher=Indian Express |date=1 September 2011 |access-date=31 October 2015 |archive-date=26 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026151921/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/music/words-not-enough-to-praise-sonu-nigam-khayyam/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Work in Kannada==
[[File:Sonu Nigam122.jpg|thumb|upright=2.2|left|alt=Sonu Nigam singing in the concert|Nigam performing at the live concert in 2014]]
Nigam's first song in [[Kannada]] was in 1996 for the film ''[[Jeevanadhi]]''. The song "Yello Yaro Hego" was composed by [[Saluri Koteswara Rao]] with lyrics by [[R. N. Jayagopal]]. Nigam has since sung over 600 Kannada songs.<ref name="deccanherald.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/233428/pitching-right.html |title=Pitching it right |publisher=Deccanherald.com |date=11 March 2012 |access-date=9 July 2013 |archive-date=12 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012003452/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/233428/pitching-right.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/music/The-Golden-Singer-of-Karnataka-Sonu-Nigam-turns-41/articleshow/39295244.cms |title=The Golden Singer of Karnataka, Sonu Nigam, turns 41 – The Times of India |language=ru |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=30 July 2014 |access-date=25 August 2014 |archive-date=19 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119122202/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/music/The-Golden-Singer-of-Karnataka-Sonu-Nigam-turns-41/articleshow/39295244.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news-interviews/Sonu-lauded-for-new-song/articleshow/22325543.cms |title=Sonu lauded for new song — The Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=5 September 2013 |access-date=25 August 2014 |archive-date=19 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119122202/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news-interviews/Sonu-lauded-for-new-song/articleshow/22325543.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite web |last=Andanappa |first=Nagarathna |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2013/sonu-nigam-15-best-kannada-songs-birthday-special-115901.html |title=Birthday Boy Sonu Nigam's 15 Best Kannada Songs — Filmibeat |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=30 July 2013 |access-date=25 August 2014 |archive-date=4 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104064033/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2013/sonu-nigam-15-best-kannada-songs-birthday-special-115901.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

His songs include "Cheluve Yeke Bande", from the film ''Majnu'', composed by [[Gurukiran]]; "Titanic Heroine Nee Nanna Cheluve", from the film ''[[Snehaloka]]''; the title track from the film ''[[Monalisa (film)|Monalisa]]'' composed by Valisha Sandeep;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kannadachitraranga.com/sonu-nigam-rocks-in-monalisa-monalisa-sadaa-dhyan/ |title=SONU NIGAM rocks in Monalisa – Monalisa – Sadaa ,Dhyan | Kannada songs collection, kannada movie news |publisher=Kannadachitraranga.com |date=24 June 2011 |access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-date=26 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426081116/http://www.kannadachitraranga.com/sonu-nigam-rocks-in-monalisa-monalisa-sadaa-dhyan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Hamsave Hamsave" from the film ''Gatti Mela'', composed by [[Hamsalekha]], "Kannale Kannale" from the film ''[[Aham Premasmi]]'', composed by [[V. Ravichandran|V.Ravichandran]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.movieskope.com/songs/tag/aham-premasmi-kannada-movie-songs-mp3/ |title=Welcome movieskope.com — BlueHost.com |publisher=Movieskope.com |access-date=25 August 2014 |archive-date=26 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826113429/http://www.movieskope.com/songs/tag/aham-premasmi-kannada-movie-songs-mp3/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and "Baaninda Baa Chandira, from the movie ''Kanti'', composed by [[Gurukiran]]. The 2006 film ''[[Mungaru Male]]'' created a sensation and spawned several records, mainly in Karnataka.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/35125.html |title='Mungaru Male' National record — Kannada Movie News |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-date=3 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103163357/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/35125.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bangalore365.com/actors/mungaru-male-sucessful-365-days/ |title=Mungaru Male – Successful 365 days !! at Bangalore 365 |publisher=Bangalore365.com |date=6 December 2007 |access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-date=23 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723045836/http://www.bangalore365.com/actors/mungaru-male-sucessful-365-days/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The songs "Mungaru Maleye" and "[[Anisuthide]]" were composed by [[Mano Murthy]] and written by [[Yogaraj Bhat]] and [[Jayant Kaikini]] respectively. Nigam has said that he finds Kannada songs more fulfilling than the Hindi numbers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news-topic/zee-kannada-/video-sonu-finds-kannada-music-fulfilling__IkieBZGaCM.html|title=Sonu Finds Kannada Music Fulfilling|publisher=Moneycontrol.com|access-date=14 July 2012|archive-date=3 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903223315/http://www.moneycontrol.com/news-topic/zee-kannada-/video-sonu-finds-kannada-music-fulfilling__IkieBZGaCM.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' he said "Kannada songs make me feel positive".<ref>{{cite web |author=Sudha Hegde |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/89369/kannada-songs-make-me-feel.html |title='Kannada songs make me feel positive'. |publisher=Deccanherald.com |date=18 August 2010 |access-date=14 July 2012 |archive-date=3 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903095840/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/89369/kannada-songs-make-me-feel.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He went on to say: "I highly respect the musicians of [[Karnataka]] and many of my favourite songs are in Kannada. I consider [[Bangalore]] as my second birthplace. Even if someone requests me to sing a Kannada song while I'm performing in the West Indies, I will sing it for them".<ref name="deccanherald.com" />
[[File:Sonu Nigam(1).jpg|thumb|180px|right|Sonu Nigaam during a Peace Rally in [[Mumbai]] on 20 November 2011]]
From the same ''Mungaru Male'' combination, composer Murthy, lyricist Kaikini and Nigam got together to record the Kannada album ''[[Neene Bari Neene]]'', produced by [[Ashok Kheny]]. Videos for the songs "Neene Bari Neene" and "Baa Nodu Gelathi" were shot on the outskirts of Bangalore featuring Nigam and model [[Madhuri Bhattacharya]] in the lead.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br53jdUFAAY |title=Kannada Sonu Nigam Neene Bari Neene Manomurthy |publisher=YouTube |date=31 August 2009 |access-date=9 July 2013 |archive-date=6 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506055905/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br53jdUFAAY&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U2TkpF_40E |title=Sonu Nigam — Baa Nodu Gelathi — Neene Bari Neene (HQ) |publisher=YouTube |date=6 February 2011 |access-date=9 July 2013 |archive-date=1 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001202333/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U2TkpF_40E&feature=related |url-status=live }}</ref> Nigam also composed a theme song for the [[Karnataka Bulldozers]] team in the [[Celebrity Cricket League]] and sang it with [[Kunal Ganjawala]] and [[Sowmya Raoh]], who also penned the lyrics.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krDVvYXbR64 |title=Karnataka Bulldozers OFFICIAL THEME SONG [HQ] Celebrity Cricket League |publisher=YouTube |date=12 January 2012 |access-date=9 July 2013 |archive-date=19 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119122203/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krDVvYXbR64 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==As a host and judge==
Nigam was the host of the ''[[Sa Re Ga Ma]]'' music show from 1995 until 1999 and became household name.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news |title=Does India have the X factor? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13592636 |access-date=29 August 2011 |newspaper=BBC News |date=30 May 2011 |author=Rajini Vaidyanathan |archive-date=30 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830133103/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13592636 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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|date=February 2018}}

In 2006, Nigam hosted ''Life Ki Dhun with Sonu Nigaam'' on [[Radio City (Indian radio station)|Radiocity 91.1 FM]], interviewing musicians.<ref>{{cite web |title=Life Ki Dhun Sonu Niigaam |url=http://sify.com/radiocity/index.php |access-date=25 July 2008 |archive-date=22 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822192608/http://sify.com/radiocity/index.php |url-status=live }}</ref>

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 [https://www.shayariwaves.com/search/label/Shreya_Ghoshal Shreya Ghoshal].<ref name=bbc />

On 23 August 2015, he appeared on "[[The Anupam Kher Show - Kucch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai|The Anupam Kher Show]]" sharing his life experiences. He has been also one of the three judges of Indian Idol 2016–17.
== Singing style ==
Sonu is one the most popular playback singer in Bollywood,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Sonu Nigam's response to his controversial tweets, quitting Twitter|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/music/sonu-nigams-response-to-his-controversial-tweets-quitting-twitter-1.71092864|access-date=25 May 2020|website=gulfnews.com|language=en|archive-date=25 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525075432/https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/music/sonu-nigams-response-to-his-controversial-tweets-quitting-twitter-1.71092864|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Indian singer, Sonu Nigam, plays live in Doha today|url=https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/23/01/2020/Indian-singer,-Sonu-Nigam,-plays-live-in-Doha-today|access-date=25 May 2020|website=www.thepeninsulaqatar.com|archive-date=13 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613235548/https://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/23/01/2020/Indian-singer,-Sonu-Nigam,-plays-live-in-Doha-today|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=World|first=Republic|title=Sonu Nigam's net worth post his decision to take up farming will surprise you|url=https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/sonu-nigams-net-worth-and-his-decision-to-take-up-farming-will|access-date=25 May 2020|website=Republic World}}</ref> and is widely considered to have inspired new singers in the Bollywood industry. He is often compared to [[Mohammed Rafi|Mohammad Rafi]] for similar voice texture.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Sonu Nigam: "Mohammed Rafi is a RELIGION" – Bollywood Hungama|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/videos/celeb-interviews/sonu-nigam-mohammed-rafi-is-a-religion/|last=Hungama|first=Bollywood|language=en|access-date=25 May 2020|archive-date=26 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526003618/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/videos/celeb-interviews/sonu-nigam-mohammed-rafi-is-a-religion/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Gera|first=Sonal|date=24 December 2019|title=On Mohd Rafi's 95th birth anniversary, let's revisit his most popular melodies|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/music/mohammad-rafi-birthday-romantic-songs-birth-anniversary-573559|access-date=25 May 2020|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en|archive-date=14 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614034116/https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/music/mohammad-rafi-birthday-romantic-songs-birth-anniversary-573559|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Sonu Nigam: ''Yeh dil'' in ''Pardes'' changed my career|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sonu-nigam-yeh-dil-in-pardes-changed-my-career/1730657|website=www.outlookindia.com|access-date=25 May 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011211352/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/sonu-nigam-yeh-dil-in-pardes-changed-my-career/1730657|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=30 July 2019|title=Sonu Nigam Birthday: The 5 Absolute Best Songs from the Singer|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/sonu-nigam-birthday-the-5-absolute-best-songs-from-the-singer-2250985.html|access-date=22 June 2020|website=News18|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626034126/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/sonu-nigam-birthday-the-5-absolute-best-songs-from-the-singer-2250985.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Among the old generation of singers, [[Lata Mangeshkar]] considers him a good singer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=rediff.com: Why Lata Mangeshkar likes Sonu Nigam|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/04sd4.htm|access-date=23 December 2019|website=www.rediff.com|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035331/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/04sd4.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Singer [[Armaan Malik]] takes a lot of inspiration from him.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Walia|first1=Gahna|date=4 July 2017|title=Armaan Malik, living his dream|newspaper=The Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/living-his-dream/article19209189.ece|access-date=27 November 2017|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726050905/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/living-his-dream/article19209189.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Singer and musician [[Ankit Tiwari]] cites Sonu Nigam as one of his musical inspirations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ankit Tiwari: I have not done as much work as Arijit Singh; you can't compare us – Times of India ►|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/ankit-tiwari-i-have-not-done-as-much-work-as-arijit-singh-you-cant-compare-us/articleshow/74301770.cms|access-date=25 May 2020|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011211353/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/music/news/ankit-tiwari-i-have-not-done-as-much-work-as-arijit-singh-you-cant-compare-us/articleshow/74301770.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Awards and honours==
[[File:The President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam presenting the Best Male Playback Singer Award for the year 2004 to Shri Sonu Nigam at the 51st National Film Award function in New Delhi on February 2, 2005.jpg|thumb|250px|Nigam (''right'') receiving the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer from President [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]] (''left''), 2005.]]
Sonu Nigam is the winner of several awards including 1 [[National Award]], 2 [[Filmfare Awards]] in Hindi & 2 [[Filmfare Awards South]]. He has received 16 nominations for Filmfare best playback singer, and record winner of 4 times for [[IIFA Award for Best Male Playback Singer|IFAA Award]] for Best Male playback singer
*'''1997''' Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer- Male, for the song "Sandese Aate Hai", from the film "Border".
*'''1998''' Screen Award for Best Male Pop Artist for ''Kismat''<ref>{{cite web |title=Award Winners |url=http://www.expressindia.com/screen/awards/eve.htm |website=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]] |access-date=2 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991022044355/http://www.expressindia.com/screen/awards/eve.htm |archive-date=22 October 1999}}</ref>
*'''2001''' Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sonu Nigam |url=http://sonunigam.in/awards.php |website=sonunigam.in |access-date=29 January 2016 |archive-date=27 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127000610/http://sonunigam.in/awards.php |url-status=live }}</ref>- Male, for the song "Suraj Hua Maddham", from the film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham".
*'''2001''' IIFA Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Suraj Hua Maddham", from the film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham".
*'''2001''' Star Screen Award Best Male Playback, for the song "Tanhayee", from the film "Dil Chahta Hai".
*'''2002''' IIFA Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Saathiya", from the film "Saathiya".
*'''2002''' Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer- Male, for the song "Saathiya", from the film "Saathiya".
*'''2002''' Filmfare Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Saathiya", from the film Saathiya.
*'''2003''' Filmfare Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Kal Ho Naa Ho", from the film Kal Ho Naa Ho".
*'''2003''' IIFA Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Kal Ho Naa Ho", from the film Kal Ho Na Ho".
*'''2003''' Apsara Film Producers' Guild Award for Best Male Playback Singer for "Kal Ho Na Ho" from the film Kal Ho Naa Ho.
*'''2003''' [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]]: ''[[Kal Ho Na Ho]]'' for "Kal Ho Naa Ho"<ref name="51stawardPDF">{{cite web |url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/51st_nff_2004.pdf |title=51st National Film Awards |publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]] |access-date=14 August 2015 |archive-date=7 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107120817/http://dff.nic.in/2011/51st_nff_2004.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''2004''' [[Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer]], for the song "Kal Ho Naa Ho", from the film [[Kal Ho Naa Ho]].
*'''2005''' Star Screen Award Best Male Playback, for the song "Dheere Jalna", from the film "Paheli".
*'''2007''' Annual Central European Bollywood Awards, Best Male Playback Singer for Mein Agar Kahoon, Om Shanti Om.
*'''2008''' [[Filmfare Awards South]], Kannada, Best Male Playback Singer for ''Ninnindale'' from Milana.
*'''2009''' [[Filmfare Awards South]], Kannada, Best Male Playback Singer for ''Yenagali'' from Mussanje Maathu.
*'''2010''' GIMA(Global Indian Music Award) for Most Popular Song – All Izz Well.
*'''2010''' – Global Indian Music Award for Best Live Performer (Male)<ref>{{cite news |title=Global Indian Television Awards |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/3-Idiots-wins-five-music-awards/articleshow/6907429.cms |access-date=16 November 2010 |work=The Times Of India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115044219/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/3-Idiots-wins-five-music-awards/articleshow/6907429.cms |archive-date=15 November 2010}}</ref>
* '''2012–2013''' [[Filmfare Awards South]] – Nominated – Best Playback Singer Male for the song "Chendutiya Pakkadali" from the movie ''[[Drama (2012 film)|Drama]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/kannada/news-interviews/Bangalore-Times-Film-Awards-2012-goes-to--/articleshow/21893862.cms |work=The Times Of India |title=Bangalore Times Film Awards 2012 goes to... – The Times of India |access-date=19 August 2013 |archive-date=18 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818224748/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/kannada/news-interviews/Bangalore-Times-Film-Awards-2012-goes-to--/articleshow/21893862.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''2012''' Royal Stag [[Mirchi Music Award for Male Vocalist of The Year]] for the song "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" from the film Agneepath
*'''2013''' Zee Cinema Award for Best Male Playback Singer for Abhi Mujhme Kahin from the film Agneepath.
*''' 2014''' Mirchi Music Awards South – Best Male Vocalist Kannada<ref>{{Citation |title=#MMASouth Best Male Vocalist Sonu Nigam Kannada Songs specially for Bangalore |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCYeN1jIuvI |date=18 August 2014 |access-date=30 January 2016 |last=mirchikannada |archive-date=22 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222165230/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCYeN1jIuvI |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''2017''' Haryana Gaurav Samman by Haryana Government, Government of India<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/sonu-nigam-honored-with-haryana-gaurav-samman-by-haryana-government/articleshow/56622768.cms|title=Sonu Nigam honored with Haryana Gaurav Samman by Haryana government – Mumbai Mirror -|work=Mumbai Mirror|access-date=19 March 2017|archive-date=20 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320053206/http://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/sonu-nigam-honored-with-haryana-gaurav-samman-by-haryana-government/articleshow/56622768.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''2018''' Doctorate from Theerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad in recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of music and inspiring youth to follow a path to success.<ref>{{Citation |title=Singer Sonu Nigam Honored With A Doctorate From Theerthanker Mahaveer University! |url=https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/singer-sonu-nigam-honored-with-a-doctorate-from-theerthanker-mahaveer-university/#:~:text=Renowned%20singer%20Sonu%20Nigam%20received,follow%20a%20path%20to%20success.https://www.koimoi.com/bollywood-news/singer-sonu-nigam-honored-with-a-doctorate-from-theerthanker-mahaveer-university/#:~:text=Renowned%20singer%20Sonu%20Nigam%20received,follow%20a%20path%20to%20success.|date=28 March 2018}}</ref>
*'''2020''' Bharat Ratna Dr. Ambedkar Award by Govt. of Maharashtra ( Presented by HE Shree Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor)
*'''2021''' Lokmat Sur-Jyotsna Award for his contribution to Indian music
*'''2021''' Smule Mirchi Music Singer of the decade award for Abhi Mujh me Kahin (Agneepath)
==Discography==
{{Main|Sonu Nigam discography}}
===As a music director===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Film
|-
| 2013 ||[[Sooper Se Ooper]]
|-
| 2014 || [[Jal (film)|Jal]]
|-
| 2013 || [[Singh Saab The Great]]
|}
==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
| 1983 || ''[[Betaab]]'' || Young Sunny ||
|-
| 1985 || ''[[Pyaara Dushman]]'' || Manish Khadnya ||
|-
| 2002 || ''[[Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani]]'' || Vivek Saxena ||
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Kash Aap Hamare Hote]]'' || Jai Kumar ||
|-
| 2004 || ''[[Love in Nepal]]'' || Abby ||
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Navra Maza Navsacha]]'' || Guest appearance in a song ||
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Warning (2013 film)|Warning]]'' || Guest appearance in the song "Takeedein" ||
|-
| 2019 || ''Spotless'' || Lead Role || Short film<ref>{{cite news |last1=IANS |title=Sonu Nigam's short film 'Spotless' about an acid attack survivor |url=https://telanganatoday.com/sonu-nigams-short-film-spotless-about-an-acid-attack-survivor |access-date=22 November 2020 |work=Telangana Today |date=22 June 2020}}</ref>
|}
===Dubbing work===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Film title !! Original Voice !! Character !! Dub Language !! Original Language !! Original Release !! Dub Release !! Notes
|-
| [[Aladdin (1992 Disney film)|Aladdin]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.disney.in/corporate/pr_05_feb23.htm |title=The Walt Disney Company |publisher=Disney.in |date=23 February 2005 |access-date=14 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405231250/http://www.disney.in/corporate/pr_05_feb23.htm |archive-date=5 April 2012 }}</ref> || [[Scott Weinger]] (Speaking) [[Brad Kane]] (Singing) || [[Aladdin (Disney character)|Aladdin]] (Speaking and Singing) || Hindi || English || 1992 || 1994 || Dubbed by Modi Entertainment

.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animationxpress.com/index.php/interviews/the-art-of-directing-dubs-a-chat-with-ellie-lewis |title=The art of directing dubs: A chat with Ellie Lewis – Animation Xpress |publisher=animationxpress.com |date=26 October 2004 |access-date=20 July 2015 |archive-date=23 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723212245/http://www.animationxpress.com/index.php/interviews/the-art-of-directing-dubs-a-chat-with-ellie-lewis |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}
==Controversies==
His series of tweets branding 'Azaan' (Muslim call for prayer), temple, gurudwara, and other religious places using loudspeakers to disturb the people who don't follow the religion as "forced religiousness" landed him in a controversy as a member of a religious group (in particular against Azaan) took offence at the matter and the manner in which he voiced his concern.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Sonu Nigam goes on a Monday morning Twitter rant, calls the Azaan 'forced religiousness'|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sonu-nigam-goes-on-a-monday-morning-twitter-rant-calls-the-azaan-forced-religiousness/articleshow/58217107.cms?from=mdr|access-date=10 August 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011211406/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/sonu-nigam-goes-on-a-monday-morning-twitter-rant-calls-the-azaan-forced-religiousness/articleshow/58217107.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> In his later tweet he stated that he stand by his statement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sonu-nigam-on-azaan-row-i-stand-by-my-statement/articleshow/58238260.cms|title=Sonu Nigam on Azaan row: I stand by my statement – Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=18 April 2017|archive-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420053824/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/sonu-nigam-on-azaan-row-i-stand-by-my-statement/articleshow/58238260.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> He later clarified that he is not against any specific religious ritual, but against the use of loudspeakers on religious buildings. He clarified that the use of loudspeaker to create noise pollution should be stopped beyond certain time as per the law of the land, irrespective of whether it is from a temple, mosque, gurudwara, or any other places.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/music/sonu-nigam-tweets-more-clarification-mentioned-temples-gurudwaras-too/story-o2aWLK29RVvamFqCKNXYeN.html|title=Sonu Nigam tweets more clarification: Mentioned temples, gurudwaras too|date=19 April 2017|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=19 April 2017|language=en|archive-date=19 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419094956/http://www.hindustantimes.com/music/sonu-nigam-tweets-more-clarification-mentioned-temples-gurudwaras-too/story-o2aWLK29RVvamFqCKNXYeN.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, Nigam again sparked controversy, when he posted a video of Azaan from his home which proved that he was indeed disturbed very early in the morning.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/music/sonu-nigam-posts-video-of-azaan-from-his-home-sparks-controversy-yet-again/story-kG5eXYQIPAVFwqHU72CuUI.html|title=Sonu Nigam posts video of azaan from his home, sparks controversy yet again|work=Hindustan Times|date=27 April 2017|access-date=23 April 2017|language=en|archive-date=23 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423231358/http://www.hindustantimes.com/music/sonu-nigam-posts-video-of-azaan-from-his-home-sparks-controversy-yet-again/story-kG5eXYQIPAVFwqHU72CuUI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Syed Sha Atef Ali Al Quaderi, vice-president of West Bengal United Minority Council announced a reward of ₹10 Lakh to anyone who shaved Nigam's head, to which Sonu Nigam responded by shaving his own head to claim the reward.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/rs-10-lakh-to-shave-sonu-nigam-bengal-fatwa-imam-says-it-s-not-a-fatwa/story-4mGXNnt8P2bS99tAaZUttJ.html|title=Rs 10 lakh to shave Sonu Nigam; Bengal "fatwa imam" says it's not a fatwa|date=19 April 2017|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=26 May 2017|language=en|archive-date=25 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525010405/http://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/rs-10-lakh-to-shave-sonu-nigam-bengal-fatwa-imam-says-it-s-not-a-fatwa/story-4mGXNnt8P2bS99tAaZUttJ.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Nigam deleted his Twitter account on 24 May 2017, citing a lack of respect for [[freedom of speech]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/music/sonu-nigam-is-quitting-twitter-rants-at-length-in-support-of-paresh-rawal-abhijeet/story-RmgVo1kjmHonK1hozUUOKL.html|title=Sonu Nigam quits Twitter, rants at length in support of Paresh Rawal, Abhijeet|language=en|access-date=24 May 2017|archive-date=24 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170524072028/http://www.hindustantimes.com/music/sonu-nigam-is-quitting-twitter-rants-at-length-in-support-of-paresh-rawal-abhijeet/story-RmgVo1kjmHonK1hozUUOKL.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2020, after the demise of actor [[Sushant Singh Rajput]], Sonu Nigam posted a video saying that the music industry is also monopolized by two major companies and that he had also faced similar discrimination. He urged these music companies to be fair and kind to the newcomers in the music industry. Although he stopped short of naming anyone he made it clear that the malpractices in Bollywood are terrible and are almost killing the music talent of the country.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nigam |first1=Sonu |title=#SonuLiveD {{!}} VLog 48 |url=https://www.facebook.com/SonuNigamSpace/videos/2541305792785886/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARD9MF9gzfNXamKK2nIEeX0PlE8FzdVM362kdM6k4MeYwZdoe5ICqixfj6_gMwjoB2k9Ej_ffMeCNmmD |website=Facebook.com |publisher=Facebook.com |access-date=18 June 2020 |ref=#SonuLiveD {{!}} VLog 48 {{!}} You might soon hear about...}}</ref>
Nigam uploaded another video to say that after his previous video, the Music Mafia has gotten together about six geniuses against him and sent a press release to the Times of India. Sonu Nigam maintained that he didn't name anyone and was only putting up his point of view regarding the malpractices in the music industry of Bollywood. In his second video Nigam names [[Bhushan Kumar]], CEO of [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]] and tells him to stay away from him.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nigam |first1=Sonu |title=Laaton ke MAFIA baaton se nahi maante |url=https://www.facebook.com/SonuNigamSpace/videos/552681908759110/?__tn__=%2Cd%2CP-R&eid=ARD9MF9gzfNXamKK2nIEeX0PlE8FzdVM362kdM6k4MeYwZdoe5ICqixfj6_gMwjoB2k9Ej_ffMeCNmmD |website=Facebook.com |publisher=Facebook.com |access-date=22 June 2020 |ref=Laaton ke MAFIA baaton se nahi maante}}</ref>
== See also ==
* [[List of Indian playback singers]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{Facebook}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0631415}}
{{National Film Award Best Male Playback Singer}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestMaleSinger}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nigam, Sonu}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian male film singers]]
[[Category:Bollywood playback singers]]
[[Category:Assamese playback singers]]
[[Category:Bengali playback singers]]
[[Category:Kannada playback singers]]
[[Category:Marathi playback singers]]
[[Category:Nepali-language singers]]
[[Category:Odia Playback Singers]]
[[Category:Punjabi-language singers]]
[[Category:Tamil playback singers]]
[[Category:Telugu playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian film score composers]]
[[Category:Indian male pop singers]]
[[Category:Indian television presenters]]
[[Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Indian male child actors]]
[[Category:Indian male voice actors]]
[[Category:Performers of Hindu music]]
[[Category:People from Faridabad]]
[[Category:Sa Re Ga Ma Pa participants]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Zee Cine Awards winners]]
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Singers from Haryana]]
[[Category:Indian pop-folk singers]]
[[Category:Pop rock singers]]
[[Category:Best Male Playback Singer National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Male film score composers]]
[[Category:Actors from Mumbai]]
{{en-Wikipedia}}

Bharatpedia - User contributions [en]

Sonu Nigam