Sonu Nigam Turns 52: From Wedding Singer to Music Legend
Rose from Poverty to Stardom; Sang Over 6,000 Songs in 32 Languages….
Mumbai Celebrated playback singer Sonu Nigam turned 52 today, marking over three decades of musical brilliance in the Indian entertainment industry. Known for his melodious voice and versatility, Sonu’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s most iconic singers is nothing short of inspiring.
Born in Faridabad, Haryana, Sonu Nigam was exposed to music from a young age. His early days were far from glamorous—he sang at weddings with his father to support the family financially. Despite growing up in difficult economic conditions, his passion for singing and his relentless dedication pushed him toward success.
Sonu moved to Mumbai to pursue playback singing, and after initial struggles, he gained popularity with songs like “Accha Sila Diya” and “Sandese Aate Hain.” His big breakthrough came with the song “Kal Ho Naa Ho,” which earned him national acclaim. Over the years, he has sung in over 32 languages and has more than 6,000 songs to his credit, including timeless hits in Hindi, Kannada, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, and Tamil.
Apart from singing, Sonu Nigam is also a composer, music director, and television personality. His honest opinions and bold statements have often kept him in the limelight. One of the most controversial moments in his career came in 2017 when he spoke out about the use of loudspeakers for Azaan (Muslim call to prayer). The comment sparked national debate and outrage, following which Sonu surprised everyone by shaving his head in response to a cleric’s challenge. Despite the backlash, he stood by his statement, emphasizing the importance of noise regulation, irrespective of religion.
Nigam’s talent has earned him numerous awards, including Filmfare Awards and National Honors. His ability to infuse emotion into every note and his stage presence make him a fan favorite across generations. From romantic ballads to spiritual bhajans, Sonu Nigam has lent his voice to nearly every genre of Indian music.
As he celebrates his 52nd birthday, fans and fellow artists are flooding social media with tributes, thanking him for the music that has become a part of their lives. Sonu Nigam remains not just a singer, but a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and authenticity in the Indian music industry.