Sonu Niigam

All you want to know about Sonu Niigam

Sonu Nigam

Background information
Born July 30, 1973 (1973-07-30) (age 35)
Faridabad, Haryana, India
Genre(s) Pop, playback singing
Occupation(s) Singer, Actor, Music Director, TV anchor, Radio Jockey
Instrument(s) Vocals
Years active 1985 – present
Website sonuniigaam.in

Sonu Nigam or Sonu Niigaam (Hindi: सोनु िनगम; born July 30, 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana, India)[1] 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.[2]

Contents

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.[3]

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.[3]

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.[3]

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.[3]

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[4]. 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.[5] The collection is titled "Kal, Aaj, Aur Kal". Soon after releasing "Classically Mild", he released a single Punjabi track called "Punjabi Please".[6]

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).[7] In April 2008, he did a marathon of concerts in various cities in India, promoting his Punjabi single "Punjabi Please".[8]

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".[9]

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.[10] 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".[11]

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.[12]

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.[13]

Sonu's acting career[14] 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 Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani 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.[15]

Future projects

His future projects include an English album called "Spirit Unfolding".[16] 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.[17] 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.[18]

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[19].

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.[20] They have a son, Nevaan, born on July 25, 2007.[21]

He is very much into fitness and yoga exercises.[1] He claims to be spiritual rather than religious.[22]

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”.[1]

Awards

Memorable hits

Song Film Year
Accha Sila Diya Bewafa Sanam 1994
Yeh Dil Deewana Pardes 1997
Sandese Aate Hain Border 1997
Satrangi Re Dil Se 1998
Zindagi Maut Na Ban Jaaye Sarfarosh 1999
You Are My Sonia Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham 2001
Is pyar ko main Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai 2001
Saathiya Saathiya 2002
Mera rang de Basanti The Legend of Bhagat Singh 2002
Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna The Legend of Bhagat Singh 2002
Kal Ho Naa Ho Kal Ho Na Ho 2003
Ghum Shuda Chalte Chalte 2003
Main Hoon Na Main Hoon Naa 2004
Tumse Milke Dil Ka Main Hoon Naa 2004
Do Pal Ki Veer Zaara 2004
Sun Zara Lucky: No Time for Love 2005
Piyu Bole Parineeta 2005
Soona Man Ka Aangan Parineeta 2005
Just Chill Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya 2005
Falak Dekhoon Garam Masala 2005
Ada Garam Masala 2005
Dheere Jalna Paheli 2005
No Entry (Ishq Di Gali Vich) No Entry 2005
Mere Haath Mein Fanaa 2006
Dil Vich Lagya Re Chup Chup Ke 2006
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna 2006
Pyaar Ki Ek Kahani Krrish 2006
Koi Tumsa Nahin Krrish 2006
Pal Pal Har Pal Lage Raho Munna Bhai 2006
Humko Maloom Hai Jaan-E-Mann 2006
Ajnabi Shehar Jaan-E-Mann 2006
Sau Dard Hain Jaan-E-Mann 2006
Behka Diya Humein Umrao Jaan 2006
Aaj Ki Raat Don 2006
Salaam-E-Ishq Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute To Love 2007
Tenu Leke Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute To Love 2007
Main Agar Kahoon Om Shanti Om 2007
In lamhon ke daaman Jodhaa Akbar 2008

Albums

Below are his mainstream releases. He has also released several devotional Hindu albums including "Tere Dar Se Muradein Paeinge" (1999), "Sanskar" (2004), "Maa Ka Dil" (2006) and "Pyari Maa" (2008), and more recently "Maha Ganesha" (August 2008)[35]. He released some Muslim devotional albums including "Mohammad ke dar par chala ja sawali" (1993, re-released 2007) and Ramzan ki Azmat (originally sang by Mohammad Rafi and others). He has covered the songs of famous Ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas in an album entitled "Best of Pankaj Udas". He has also sang a song each in Sapna Mukherjee's album "Mere Piya" and the remix album "Kajra Nite" in 2006.

Album title Language Year
Rafi Ki Yaadein Vol 10-20 Hindi 1993-1995
Shradhanjali to Mohd Rafi Hindi 1995
Sapnay Ki Baat Hindi 1997
Kismat Hindi 1998
Mausam Hindi 1999
Pariyon Se Hindi 1999
Deewana Hindi 1999
Jaan Hindi 2000
Yaad Hindi 2001
Kurie Mili Hai Kamal Punjabi 2003
Chanda Ki Doli Hindi 2005
Colours of Love Punjabi/Hindi 2007
Pyar Punjabi 2007
Classically Mild Hindi 2008
Kal Aaj Aur Kal Hindi 2008
Punjabi Please Hindi 2008
Rafi Resurrected Hindi 2008

Filmography

Film Title Character Year
Masti ke lutere Child Artist 1982
Ustaadi Ustaad Ke Child artist 1982
Betaab Young Sunny 1983
Hum se hai zamana Child artist 1983
Taqdeer Child artist 1983
Jaani Dushman Vivek Saxena 2002
Kaash..Aap Hamare Hote Jai Kumar 2003
Love In Nepal Abby 2004
Navra Maajha Navsacha (Marathi) Himself 2005

References

  1. ^ a b c "Sonu Nigam Biography". Retrieved on 2007-03-24.
  2. ^ "Indian Television: Sonu Nigam". Retrieved on 2007-03-24.
  3. ^ a b c d "Sonu Niigaam". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  4. ^ "Sonu Niigaam goes Classically Mild". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  5. ^ "Sonu Niigaam pays homage to Mohd Rafi". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  6. ^ "Big FM launches Sonu Niigaam single Punjabi Please". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  7. ^ "Sonu Nigam's Tour to Germany". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  8. ^ "Close-Up and BIG 92.7 FM bring Sonu Nigam’s concert". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  9. ^ "Sonu Nigam invited to perform at Harvard University". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  10. ^ "Sonu Nigam's Rafi Resurrected tour in UK". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  11. ^ "Sonu Nigam's new album 'Rafi Resurrected' in July this year". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  12. ^ "Sonu Niigaam". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  13. ^ "Life Ki Dhun Sonu Niigaam". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  14. ^ "Sonu Nigam". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  15. ^ "Catching up with Sonu Nigam". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  16. ^ "Sonu Nigam to launch English album". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  17. ^ "Catching up with Sonu Nigam". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  18. ^ "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi: A couple made by God". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  19. ^ "Sonu Niigaam: I am getting better". Retrieved on 04 August 2008.
  20. ^ "Sonu Nigam weds city belle". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  21. ^ "Indian Singer Sonu Nigam becomes a father". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  22. ^ "I AM: Sonu Nigam". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  23. ^ "Paruthiveeran and Happy Days lead Filmfare South Awards". televisionpoint.com. Retrieved on 24 July 2008.
  24. ^ "German Public Bollywood Award - Winners 2008". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  25. ^ "5th Annual Central European Bollywood Awards". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  26. ^ a b c d e "Bollywood Awards". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  27. ^ "Jesudas Awards Announced". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  28. ^ "IMMIES 2005". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  29. ^ a b c d e f "Sonu Niigaam Awards". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  30. ^ "Teachers' Achievement Awards". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  31. ^ "Lycra MTV Style Awards". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  32. ^ "IMMIES 2004". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  33. ^ "MTV IMMIES". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  34. ^ "Lycra MTV Style Awards". Retrieved on 25 July 2008.
  35. ^ "Sonu Niigaam's Maha Ganesha released". Retrieved on 22 August 2008.

External links

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
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonu_Nigam"

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