The singer began his career when he was four years old, accompanying his father on stage. He rose to prominence in his late teens by singing Mohammed Rafi’s songs. Sonu became a household figure in the early 1990s as the host of the ZEE TV show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. His career as a movie vocalist and pop phenomenon took off soon after.
Sonu said: In 1993, I arrived in Kolkata for the first time. When it comes to music, I am a purist. And I feel that artists like us appreciate visiting a venue that maintains its integrity. Maharashtra and Bengal, in my opinion, are two places rich in art and culture. You feel at ease when you visit a place where your work is valued. Apart from that, I’m surrounded by Bengalis, thus my affection for the city is boundless. Before traveling back to Mumbai, I’m looking forward to visiting the Dakshineswar temple.
Sonu Nigam, who has a slew of hit songs under his belt, won the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer (Male) for his work on the title track of Kal Ho Naa Ho. Here are 3 of his best songs.
1. Sandese Aate Hai (Border)
When he performed alongside Roopkumar Rathod in Anu Malik’s interpretation of a soldier’s wait for a letter from their loved ones, it rocketed him to national prominence.
2. Deewana Tera (Deewana)
This song, which featured falsettos, was featured on one of Sonu’s first super hit albums. It’s still a thrill to listen to it after all these years.
3. Yeh Dil Deewana (Pardes)
As Shah Rukh Khan raced through the bright desert of Las Vegas in Subhash Ghai’s film, Sonu Nigam unleashed his inner Michael Jackson and sang this song for Nadeem-Shravan, for which he received his first Filmfare.