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Sonu Nigam (born 30 July 1973) is an Indian singer whose songs have been featured mainly in Hindi and Kannada movies.
He has also sung many songs in other languages including Oriya, Tamil, Assamese, Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam, Marathi, Telugu and Nepali movies.
He has released Indian pop albums and acted in a few movies.
He had changed the spelling of his last name from 'Nigam' to 'Niigaam' in accordance with numerology, but later reverted to the original spelling.Playback SingingHis initial years in Mumbai proved to be a struggle, beginning by singing covers of Mohammed Rafi songs, mainly for a number of "Rafi Ki Yaadein" albums released by T-Series.
T-Series promoter Gulshan Kumar gave him a chance to reach a larger audience.
In these years Nigam's singing style was regarded by some to be a "Rafi clone".
Nigam's first movie song as a playback singer was for Janam (1990), which was never officially released.
He then began making radio commercials.Nigam started hosting the popular TV show, Sa Re Ga Ma, in 1995 with the first episode airing on 1 May.
The singing talent competition soon became one of the most popular shows on Indian television.
Soon after, he sang "Accha Sila Diya" for the film Bewafa Sanam (1995).
His first major success was with the Anu Malik-composed song "Sandese Aate Hai" in Border (1997).
Sonu's image as a 'Rafi clone' changed after his rendition of the Nadeem-Shravan-composed song "Yeh Dil Deewana" in Pardes in the same year.
Sonu's Album "Deewana", with music directed by Sajid-Wajid, was released by T-Series in 1999, revealing his talent for singing romantic songs and it remains one of India's most successful albums.
Since then, he has created a unique style of his own and has become a role model for emerging vocal talent in India.Over the years, Nigam became a major force in the Indian music industry.
He provided playback singing for Hindi movies and won many awards, notably the title song of the film Kal Ho Naa Ho.
He recorded romantic, rock, sad and patriotic songs.
Nigam sang in many languages besides Hindi, including Kannada, Assamese, Bengali, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, English, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Nepali, Chhattisgarhi, Malayalam and Marathi.With a career spanning over two decades, Nigam has recorded his voice for almost all top-rated music directors of India including A.
R.
Rahman, Ilayaraja, Anu Malik, Pritam, Jatin-Lalit, Nadeem Shravan, Mano Murthy, Vishal Shekar, Sanjeev Darshan, Aadesh Shrivastav, Anand Milind, Sajid-Wajid, V.
Harikrishna, G.
V.
Prakash Kumar, Mani Sharma among others.Pop albums and concertsSonu has released pop albums in Hindi, Oriya, Punjabi and Kannada.
The most recent addition to his Hindi releases is Classically Mild, a semi-classical album.
He has released Hindu and Islamic devotional albums, Also he has Sung in Album, Buddha Hi Buddha Hai(Part 1&2),A Album based on Buddha's teachings composed by Rajesh Dhabare and a couple of Album on Dr.
B.R.
Ambedkar in Marathi(Jiwala Jiwach Daan,Part 1&2)tuned on some of his hits numbers from series of Bewafa Sanam, as well as albums of Mohammed Rafi's songs.
These are from the Rafi Ki Yaadein collection from his early years, which were re-released in September 2007 as a six-disc collection of 100 songs, titled Kal Aaj Aur Kal, in Rafi's memory.
In 2008, soon after releasing Classically Mild, he released a single Punjabi track called "Punjabi Please" and Rafi Resurrected, a two-disc collection of Rafi songs with music by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
He contributed to the lyrics of several songs and directed the music for his album Chanda Ki Doli.
His last album was Neene Bari Neene in Kannada.After the death of Michael Jackson, who influenced Nigam considerably (as is evident in his rendition of "Yeh Dil Deewana" in Pardes), Nigam released a song as a tribute to Jackson in collaboration with his fans on Facebook.
The song made it to an 18-song global compilation of tribute songs, The Beat of Our Hearts.Nigam collaborated with Britney Spears on a remix of her "I Wanna Go" track.Over the years, Nigam has performed in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Russia, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Caribbean|West Indies, Suriname, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa.
In May/June 2007, he participated in a star-studded show in North America called "The Incredibles" with Asha Bhosle, Kunal Ganjawala and Kailash Kher.
In September and October of the same year, he gave solo concerts titled "Simply Sonu" in Canada and Germany, becoming the first Indian singer to perform in the latter country.
In April 2008, he toured India promoting his Punjabi single "Punjabi Please".In November 2007, at the inauguration of Harvard University's 28th president, Dr.
Drew Gilpin Faust, Nigam sang Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan, "Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye", with the Harvard College Sangeet.
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.Among several other concerts, he notably 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 2010.2011,Sonu Nigam collaborated with Kakas Entertainment and Laxmikant-Pyarelal for "Maestros" Concert where he sang Mohammed Rafi songs.Other projectsNigam was reported to be working on an English album called Spirit Unfolding.
and on a project called Time Travel, where his voice will be aligned with recordings of other singers in Hindi songs.Nigam has also sung a song produced by famous international house music producer David Guetta in collaboration with Jay Sean, the British singer-songwriter, rapper, beatboxer and record producer.In 2014 Nigam released an online exclusive of his experimental "Trini Ladki" in a style that was a first for him.
It has been well received and Nigam has confirmed on Twitter that he will focus on independent albums with songs from a similar genre.He was ranked no 1 artist in the US Billboard Uncharted charts for two times (Sep 07 and Oct 05, 2013).RadioIn 2006, Nigam hosted Life Ki Dhun with Sonu Nigaam on Radiocity 91.1 FM, where he had the opportunity to interview musicians, including Lata Mangeshkar in the episode aired last.Dubbing RolesNigam voices certain roles in Hindi for foreign films, especially Hollywood films.On February 2013, An announcement has been made that Sonu is assigned to lead his voice in a Hindi dubbed version of a Japanese anime film, The Mystical Laws.Animated FilmsAnime FilmsPersonal Life and Volunteer WorkSonu married Madhurima, who is from a Bengali family, on 15 February 2002.
They have a son, Nevaan, born in 2007.Sonu Nigam practices fitness and yoga exercises, and has trained in Taekwondo.
He claims to be spiritual rather than religious.Nigam has done work for various charities in India as well as abroad for the Dignity Foundation, for various organizations working in the fields of cancer, leprosy, blindness and women's welfare, and for families affected by the Kargil war and earthquakes.
He also sponsors a child from the organization "Crayon".Awards and nominationsNational Film Awards2004 - Won - National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa HoFilmfare Awards1997 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Sandese Aate Hai" - Border (with Roop Kumar Rathod)1999 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Ishq Bina" - Taal2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tu Fiza Hain" - Fiza2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Panchhi Nadiyaan" - Refugee2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Suraj Hua Maddham" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya2003 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Do Pal" - Veer-Zaara2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tumse Milke Dil Ka" - Main Hoon Na2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Dheere Jalna" - Paheli2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Piyu Bole" - Parineeta2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna2007 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Agar Kahoon" - Om Shanti Om2008 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Inn Lamhon Ke" - Jodhaa Akbar2009 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Shukran Allah" - Kurbaan (with Salim Merchant)2013 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin" - AgneepathFilmfare Awards South2007 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Ninnindale Ninnindale" - Milana2008 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Eenagali Mundhe Saagu" - Mussanjemaatu2008 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Mayavagide Manasu" - Haage Summane2010 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Hrudayave" - Krishnan Love Story2011 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Paravasha Naadenu" - Paramathma2011 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Neerinalli Sanna Ale" - Hudugaru2012 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Chendutiya Pakkadali" - DramaScreen Awards1998 - Won - Best Male Pop Artist2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Panchhi Nadiyaan" - Refugee2001 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tanhayee" - Dil Chahta Hai2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Is Pyaar Ko Main Kya Naam Doon" - Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai2003 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho2004 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tumse Milke Dil Ka" - Main Hoon Na2005 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Dheere Jalna" - Paheli2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Baawri Piya Ki" - BabulInternational Indian Film Academy Awards2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Panchhi Nadiyaan" - Refugee2001 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Suraj Hua Maddham" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "You Are My Soniya" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya2003 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Piyu Bole" - Parineeta2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna2009 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "All Izz Well" - 3 Idiots2013 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Abhi Mujh mein Kahin" - AgneepathZee Cine Awards1997 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Sandese Aate Hain" - Border 2001 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer – Male - "Suraj Hua Maddham" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tanhayee" - Dil Chahta Hai2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya2003 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Piyu Bole" - Parineeta2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Dheere Jalna" - Paheli2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna2007 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Agar Kahoon" - Om Shanti Om2013 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" - AgneepathMTV Immies2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya2003 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na2004 - Won - Best Pop Album - Chanda Ki DoliThe Bangalore Times Film AwardsWon : 2011-2012 - Best Playback Singer Male for the song 'Sanju Mathu Geetha' from the film Sanju Weds Geetha.Won : 2012-2013 - Best Playback Singer Male for the song 'Chendutiya Pakkadali' from the movie Drama.MTV Style Awards2003 - Style Icon 20032005 - Style Icon 2005MTV Video Music Award2013 - Won - Best Singer - "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" - AgneepathAnandalok Awards2004 - Best Male Playback Singer - Bandhan2005 - Best Pop Album - Chanda Ki DoliAnnual Central European Bollywood Awards2007 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Agar Kahoon" - Om Shanti Om2008 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Inn Lamhon Ke Daaman Me" - Jodhaa Akbar2009 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Shukran Allah" - KurbaanLions Gold Award2005 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na2008 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Inn Lamhon Ke Daaman Me" - Jodhaa Akbar2013 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" - AgneepathIndian Television Academy Award2005 - Best Male Singer - Miliee2008 - Best Male Singer - Amber Dhara2009 - Best Male Singer - Dill Mill GayyeOther Awards1997 - Ashirwad Award for Best Male Playback Singer - "Sandese Aate Hain" - Border1997 - Sansui Viewers' Choice Award for Best Male Singer - "Sandese Aate Hain" - Border2003 - Apsara Film Producers' Guild Award for Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho2005 - Swaralaya Yesudas Award, for his outstanding performance in Music2005 - Teachers' Achievement Award2006 - Nominated - Global Indian Film Awards - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna2010 - GIMA (Global Indian Music Award) for Best Live Performer (Male)2011 - GIMA (Global Indian Music Award) MTV MUSIC YOUTH ICON2012 - Won -Sandalwood Star Award for Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) for the song "Paravasha Naadenu" from the film Paramathma2013 - Won -Mirchi Music Award for Male Vocalist of the Year - "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" - Agneepath2013 - Won -TOIFA for Male Vocalist of the Year - "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" - Agneepath