Renowned singer Sonu Nigam has expressed his disappointment over the absence of Padma awards for some of India’s most celebrated vocalists, including Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, and the legendary Kishore Kumar. In a heartfelt video shared on his Instagram handle, Sonu questioned the criteria for honoring artists who have significantly contributed to Indian music and inspired generations of singers worldwide.
Highlighting the achievements of these icons, Sonu said, “There are two singers who have inspired singers all over the world. We have limited one of them with the Padma Shri award, that’s Mohammad Rafi. The other one didn’t even get a Padma Shri, Kishore Kumar. Awards are being given posthumously, right?” He lamented the fact that Kishore Kumar, whose melodious voice left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, was never honored with a Padma Shri during his lifetime.
Turning his attention to contemporary singers, Sonu emphasized the remarkable careers of Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, and Sunidhi Chauhan. “Among the current singers, Alka Yagnik had such a long and phenomenal career, she hasn’t received anything yet. Shreya Ghoshal has been proving her brilliance for a long time. She should also be honoured. Sunidhi Chauhan has inspired an entire generation with her unique voice. She also hasn’t received anything yet,” he stated.
In the caption of his post, Sonu wrote, “India and its pending Padma Awardees,” urging the government and the relevant authorities to recognize these stalwarts of Indian music.
Sonu Nigam himself was conferred with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, by former President Ram Nath Kovind in 2022. However, his recent comments reflect his belief that the contributions of his peers and predecessors deserve similar acknowledgment.
