Sonu Nigam

Infobox Musical artist
Name = Sonu Nigam


Img_size =
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Background = solo_singer
Born = birth date and age|1973|7|30
Faridabad, Haryana, India
Instrument = Vocals
Genre = Pop, playback singing
Occupation = Singer, Actor, Music Director, TV anchor, Radio Jockey
Years_active = 1985 – present
Label =
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.sonuniigaam.in sonuniigaam.in]
Notable_instruments =

Sonu Nigam or Sonu Niigaam ( _hi. सोनु निगम; born July 30, 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana, India)cite web| title = Sonu Nigam Biography | url = http://www.4to40.com/legends/index.asp?id=818 | accessdate = 2007-03-24] is an Indian playback singer whose songs have been featured in numerous Bollywood and Kannada movies. He has also released numerous Indi-pop albums and acted in a few Hindi feature films. He recently changed the spelling of his last name from 'Nigam' to 'Niigaam' in accordance with numerology. [cite web | title = Indian Television: Sonu Nigam | url = http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k6/apr/apr65.htm | accessdate = 2007-03-24]

Career

Early years and playback singing

Sonu Nigam began his singing career at the age of three, when he joined his father on stage to sing Mohammad Rafi's "Kya Hua Tera Wada". Then on, he accompanied his father on his singing assignments at weddings and parties. In his teenage years, he participated in several music competitions successfully. He moved to Mumbai with his father to begin his Bollywood singing career at the age of 18.cite web | http://www.sonuniigaam.in/aboutme.php | title=Sonu Niigaam |url= http://www.sonuniigaam.in/aboutme.php |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

Sonu took singing lessons under Naveed of Fazalabad Pirwadhai. His initial years in Mumbai proved to be a struggle, and he started by singing covers of Mohammad Rafi songs, mainly for the "Rafi Ki Yaadein" album series. These albums contributed to his label for some time as a "Rafi clone." His first movie song as a playback singer was in the movie, "Janum" (1990), which was never officially released. He got a break as a playback singer in Gulshan Kumar's movie, "Aaja Meri Jaan". He then sang the song, "Accha Sila Diya", for the album, "Bewafa Sanam" (1995), which gave him the recognition as an established playback singer.

Sonu started hosting "Sa Re Ga Ma," a television singing talent competition, which soon became one of the most popular shows on Indian television. The first episode of "Sa Re Ga Ma" was aired on May 1, 1995. Singing offers poured in thereafter, though slowly at first. He rose to fame with the song, "Sandese Aate Hain", in Border (1997). Anu Malik was the music director of this movie. Sonu's image as a Rafi clone changed after his rendition of the song, "Yeh Dil Deewana" in Pardes (1997). Since then, he has created a unique style of his own, and has become a role model for budding male singers in India.

Over the years, Sonu has become a major force in the Indian music industry. He has provided playback singing for a large number of Hindi movies and won many awards. His rendition of Kal Ho Na Ho has been highly popular. He is recognised for his versatile voice as well as excellent emotion range. Sonu has sung with clear pronunciations, in many languages besides Hindi, including Bengali, Oriya, Kannada, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Marathi.

Pop albums and concerts

Sonu has released a number of pop albums, both in Hindi and in Punjabi, to his name. The very recent addition to this list is "Classically Mild", best among all [cite web | http://entertainment.oneindia.in | title=Sonu Niigaam goes Classically Mild |url= http://entertainment.oneindia.in/music/news/2008/sonu-nigam-classically-mild-290108.html | accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008] . He has also several released of albums of Mohammad Rafi's songs, as well as devotional albums. Of recent releases, In September 2007, he released a 6-disc collection of Mohammad Rafi's 100 best songs in the latter's memory. [cite web | www.indiaglitz.com | title=Sonu Niigaam pays homage to Mohd Rafi |url= http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/33495.html |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008] The collection is titled "Kal, Aaj, Aur Kal". Soon after releasing "Classically Mild", he released a single Punjabi track called "Punjabi Please". [cite web | http://www.indiantelevision.com | title=Big FM launches Sonu Niigaam single Punjabi Please|url= http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k8/mar/mar34.php |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

Over the years. Sonu has given concert performances in many countries, including United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Russia, Afghanistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bangkok, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, West Indies, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa. In May/June 2007, he participated in a star-studded show in North America called "The Incredibles" in which famed Asha Bhonsle and recent singing sensations, Kunal Ganjawala and Kailash Kher, participated. In September and October, respectively, of the same year, he gave a solo concert titled, "Simply Sonu", in Canada and Germany, (becoming the first Indian singer to perform in the latter country). [cite web | http://www.glamsham.com | title=Sonu Nigam's Tour to Germany |url= http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07/aug/08_sonu_nigams_tour_to_germany_080701.asp |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008] In April 2008, he did a marathon of concerts in various cities in India, promoting his Punjabi single "Punjabi Please". [cite web | http://itvx.net | 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/ |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

In November 2007, at the inauguration of Harvard University's 28th president, Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust, Sonu sang with the Harvard College Sangeet the late Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan, " Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye". [cite web | http://www.glamsham.com | title=Sonu Nigam invited to perform at Harvard University |url= http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/07/oct/06_sonu_nigam_100704.asp/ |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

In July 2008, he participated in a three-city tour of the United Kingdom, singing numerous famous Mohammad Rafi songs with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. [cite web | http://movies.indiainfo.com | title=Sonu Nigam's Rafi Resurrected tour in UK |url= http://movies.indiainfo.com/2008/07/24/0807240139_sonu.html |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008] This followed the release of these songs by the CBSO and the Indian music company Sa Re Ga Ma in a historic album entitled "Rafi Resurrected". [cite web | http://news.oneindia.in | 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 |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

Television, radio and acting

Besides "Sa Re Ga Ma," Sonu Nigam has also hosted the TV show Kisme Kitna Hai Dum and has been a judge on the show Indian Idol(aired on Sony Entertainment Television) seasons 1 and 2. Recently, Sonu returned to Indian Idol in its third season as a celebrity judge. He was also a celebrity judge on Amul Star Voice of India in August 2007. In October 2007, Sonu came back to the sets of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in a historical moment of sorts, this time as a judge (along with Suresh Wadkar) on the show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs International. [cite web | http://www.sonuniigaam.in/aboutme.php | title=Sonu Niigaam |url= http://www.sonuniigaam.in/aboutme.php |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

In 2006, Sonu also hosted his own radio show called 'Life Ki Dhun With Sonu Niigaam' on Radiocity 91 FM, where he had the opportunity of interviewing several music industry greats, including the legendary Lata Mangeshkar. [cite web | http://sify.com | title=Life Ki Dhun Sonu Niigaam |url= http://sify.com/radiocity/index.php |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

Sonu's acting career [cite web | http://www.imdb.com | title=Sonu Nigam |url= http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0631415/ |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008] started as a child artist in a number of films including 1983s Betaab. As an adult, Sonu has acted in a few more films namely alongside Sunny Deol, Manisha Koirala and Akshay Kumar as well as other actors; Kash Aap Hamare Hote where he plays the lead opposite Juhi Babbar, daughter of Raj Babbar; and lastly Love in Nepal with 'Flora Saini' and 'Sweta Keswani', where he plays the lead again. However it is to be said that all three films have not done well at the box-office. although his acting was much better appreciated in his last venture. He has not taken up acting since his last venture Love in Nepal, but has recently been said to be involved in another film as a lead actor. The film, called 'Ankhon Ankhon Mein' is supposedly about a blind singer. [cite web | http://matrimonyxpress.bharatmatrimony.com | title=Catching up with Sonu Nigam |url= http://matrimonyxpress.bharatmatrimony.com/2004/06/celebspeak/catching-up-with-sonu-nigam/ |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

Future projects

His future projects include an English album called "Spirit Unfolding". [cite web | http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com | title=Sonu Nigam to launch English album |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/515261.cms |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008] He may be acting in a new film called "Ankhon Hi Ankhon Mein", about a blind singer, although he has not officially signed it yet. [cite web | http://matrimonyxpress.bharatmatrimony.com | title=Catching up with Sonu Nigam |url= http://matrimonyxpress.bharatmatrimony.com/2004/06/celebspeak/catching-up-with-sonu-nigam/ |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008] He is also doing playback singing for a number of upcoming films, including Chandan Arora's "Striker", "Yaariyan", "Run Mein Fun" and "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" directed by Aditya Chopra among others. [cite web | http://www.rabnebanadijodi.co.in | title=Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi: A couple made by God |url= http://www.rabnebanadijodi.co.in/2008/07/11/rab-ne-bana-di-jodi-a-couple-made-by-god/51259/index.html |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

In a recent interview, he confirmed that he is working on a new Kannada album. He also revealed that he is releasing a new Ganesh album in August, and is thinking about a project on Manna Dey. He also revealed that there are plans for the Rafi Resurrected concerts to happen in the rest of Europe, the United States and India soon [cite web | http://www.screenindia.com | title=Sonu Niigaam: I am getting better |url= http://www.screenindia.com/news/-I-am-getting-better--/341998/ |accessdate=04 August |accessyear=2008] .

Personal life And Voluntary Work

Sonu was born to Mr Agam Kumar Nigam and Mrs Shobha Nigam on July 30, 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana, India. He attended the J.D. Tytler School. He has two sisters, Meenal and Neekita. Sonu is very close to his parents. Both his father and mother are good singers, and in 2005 and 2007 his father released two highly popular albums, "Bewafaai" and "Phir Bewafaai", respectively. Neekita is also a singer. She has sung a few playback songs and appeared on a few stage shows with Sonu. Sonu married Madhurima on 15 February 2002. [cite web | http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com | title=Sonu Nigam weds city belle |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1089529.cms |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008] They have a son, Nevaan, born on July 25, 2007. [cite web | http://www.celebrity-babies.com | title=Indian Singer Sonu Nigam becomes a father |url= http://www.celebrity-babies.com/2007/07/indian-singer-s.html |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

He is very much into fitness and yoga exercises.cite web| title = Sonu Nigam Biography | url = http://www.4to40.com/legends/index.asp?id=818 | accessdate = 2007-03-24] He claims to be spiritual rather than religious. [cite web | http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com | title=I AM: Sonu Nigam |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Sunday_Specials/Mind_Over_Matter/I_AM_Sonu_Nigam/articleshow/2532251.cms |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]

Sonu has done various charity work all over India as well as abroad for Dignity Foundation, Cancer organizations, Leprosy organizations, Blindness organizations, Womens welfare organizations, Kargil war affected families, Earthquake affected families. He also sponsors a child from the organization “Crayon”.cite web| title = Sonu Nigam Biography | url = http://www.4to40.com/legends/index.asp?id=818 | accessdate = 2007-03-24]

Awards

* 2008, Filmfare Awards South, Best Singer (Male) for Ninindale, from the Kannada movie Milana [cite web | work=televisionpoint.com | title=Paruthiveeran and Happy Days lead Filmfare South Awards |url= http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2008/newsfullstory.php?id=1216023425 |accessdate=24 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2008, GPBA (German Public Bollywood Award), Best Singer (Male) for Mein Agar Kahoon, Om Shanti Om [cite web | http://www.gpba.eu | title=German Public Bollywood Award - Winners 2008 |url= http://www.gpba.eu/bollywood_award_winner08/bollywood_award_winner.htm |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2007, Annual Central European Bollywood Awards, Best Male Playback Singer for Mein Agar Kahoon, Om Shanti Om [cite web | http://www.bollywoodforum.ch | title=5th Annual Central European Bollywood Awards |url= http://www.bollywoodforum.ch/aceba/2008.htm |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2007, Bollywood Music Awards, Best Male Playback Singer for Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Title Track.cite web | http://www.bollywoodawards.com | title=Bollywood Awards |url= http://www.bollywoodawards.com |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2006, Star Screen Award Best Male Playback, for the song "Dheere Jalna", from the film "Paheli"
* 2005, Swaralaya Yesudas Award, for his outstanding performance in Music. [cite web | http://www.hindu.com | title=Jesudas Awards Announced |url= http://www.hindu.com/2005/11/26/stories/2005112611900400.htm |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2005, MTV Immies - Best Pop Album, for his self-composed album titled "Chanda Ki Doli". [cite web | http://www.mtvindia.com | title=IMMIES 2005 |url= http://www.mtvindia.com/immies/05/ |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2005, Indian Television Award Best Singer for Miliee Title Track.cite web | http://www.sonuniigaam.in/music.php | title=Sonu Niigaam Awards |url= http://www.sonuniigaam.in/music.php |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2005, Anadolok Award for "Chanda Ki Doli" album.
* 2005, Lion Gold's Award for the song Main Hoon Na from the film "Main Hoon Na"
* 2005, Teachers' Achievement Award [cite web | http://www.www.teachersachievementawards.com | title=Teachers' Achievement Awards |url= http://www.teachersachievementawards.com/taa_2005_press.htm# |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2005, Most Stylish People In Music, MTV Style Awards. [cite web | http://www.mtvindia.com | title=Lycra MTV Style Awards |url= http://www.mtvindia.com/styleawards/pastawards.html |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2004, MTV Immies - Best Male Singer, for the song "Main Hoon Na", from the film "Main Hoon Na" [cite web | http://www.mtvindia.com | title=IMMIES 2004 |url= http://www.mtvindia.com/immies/05/pastawards.html |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2004, National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, for the song "Kal Ho Naa Ho", from the film "Kal Ho Naa Ho"
* 2004, IIFA Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Kal Ho Naa Ho", from the film "Kal Ho Naa Ho"
* 2004, Bollywood Music Award for Best Male Playback Singer for "Kal Ho Na Ho" from the film "Kal Ho Naa Ho"
* 2004, Apsara Film Producers' Guild Award for Best Male Playback Singer for "Kal Ho Na Ho" from the film "Kal Ho Naa Ho"
* 2003, Filmfare Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Kal Ho Naa Ho", from the film "Kal Ho Naa Ho".
* 2003, Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer- Male, for the song "Saathiya", from the film "Saathiya"
* 2003, IIFA Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Saathiya", from the film "Saathiya"
* 2003, MTV Immies - Best Male Singer, for the song "Saathiya" from the film "Saathiya". [cite web | http://www.mtvindia.com | title=MTV IMMIES |url= http://www.mtvindia.com/immies/winners.php |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2003, Bollywood Music Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song "Saathiya" from the film "Saathiya"
* 2003, Most Stylish People In Music, MTV Style Awards [cite web | http://www.mtvindia.com | title=Lycra MTV Style Awards |url= http://www.mtvindia.com/styleawards/pastawards.html |accessdate=25 July |accessyear=2008]
* 2002, Filmfare Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Saathiya", from the film "Saathiya".
* 2002, Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer- Male, for the song "Suraj Hua Maddham", from the film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham"
* 2002, IIFA Best Male Playback Award, for the song "Suraj Hua Maddham", from the film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham"
* 2002, Bollywood Music Award for Best Pop Singer for the album "Yaad"
* 2002, Bollywood Music Award for Best Male Singer for the song "Tanhayee" from the film "Dil Chahta Hai"
* 2001, Star Screen Award Best Male Playback, for the song "Tanhayee", from the film "Dil Chahta Hai"
* 1998, Zee Cine Award Best Playback Singer- Male, for the song "Sandese Aate Hai", from the film "Border"
* 1998, Star Screen Award for Best Male Pop Artist.
* 1997, Aashirwad Award for Best Male Singer for the song "Sandese Aate Hai", from the film "Border"
* 1997, Sansui Viewers' Choice Award for Best Male Singer for the song "Sandese Aate Hai", from the film "Border"

Memorable hits

References

External links

*imdb name|id=0631415
* [http://www.sonuniigaam.in www.sonuniigaam.in Official site]

Persondata
NAME= Nigam, Sonu
ALTERNATIVE NAMES= Sonu Nigam
SHORT DESCRIPTION= Singer
DATE OF BIRTH= July-30, 1973
PLACE OF BIRTH= Faridabad, Haryana, India
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=