Not many may be versed Sonu Nigam as a child artist..Amidst early 80s including Betaab Pitra and Ustadi Ustad Se.
He is described as a performer whose songs have travelled across borders and languages, shaping emotions for decades. From romantic ballads to soulful patriotic numbers, his music has shaped emotions for decades. Yet behind his globally celebrated singing career lies a lesser-known beginning where there were no microphones but film sets and camera lights.
Interestingly, long before Sonu Nigam emerged as one of the most recognised playback singers of Indian cinema, he was already part of the film industry in a very different role. As a child, he appeared on the big screen, working as an actor. A throwback video from those early days earlier went viral on social media, leaving many fans surprised.
Notedly, he is globally acknowkedged today for his phenomenal voice, Sonu actually began his journey in the entertainment industry as a child actor. While audiences associate him with timeless songs, few realise that his earliest encounter with fame came through acting. It was after years that he made a mark with modern playback singing in Bollywood.
One of the most fascinating aspects of his acting journey was playing younger versions of established stars. In Humse Hai Zamana, Sonu portrayed young Mithun Chakraborty, while in Taqdeer, he played the younger version of Shatrughan Sinha. These roles showcased his versatility even as a child, long before his singing talent took centre stage.
Sonu Nigam did not completely step away from acting even as he grew older. In the early 2000s, he appeared in Bollywood films again, including the multi-starrer Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani as a supporting actor. He later took on lead roles in Kash Aap Hamare Hote and Love In Nepal.
However, it was music that ultimately be turned out to be his true calling. Sonu officially began his singing career with the album Rafi Ki Yaadein in 1995 in a heartfelt tribute to legendary singer Mohammed Rafi. The album highlighted not just his vocal range but also his deep respect for musical legacy and classical influences.
His major breakthrough came with “Sandese Aate Hain” from the 1997 film Border. The emotional power of the song struck a chord across the nation and turned Sonu Nigam into a household name. From there, he went on to deliver countless hits such as Kal Ho Naa Ho, Abhi Mujhme Kahin, Main Hoon Na, Apne and Papa Meri Jaan.
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Over the years, Sonu Nigam has sung over 6,000 songs in more than 28 languages, earning admiration not just in India but across the globe. His ability to adapt to different musical styles while retaining emotional depth has kept him relevant across generations, making him one of the most respected voices in the industry.
In recognition of his immense contribution to music, Sonu Nigam was conferred with the Padma Shri by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II in Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi in 2022. Sharing a photo, the President wrote, “President Kovind presents Padma Shri to Shri Sonu Nigam for Art.” Dressed in an all-white ethnic outfit, Sonu was all smiles when he received one of India’s highest civilian honours.
News Edit KV Raman