Sonu Nigam, in a deeply emotional and candid video message, expressed his disappointment over the fact that several iconic Indian playback singers, such as Kishore Kumar, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, and Sunidhi Chauhan, have yet to be honored with the prestigious Padma Awards, despite their immense contributions to the Indian music industry. He emphasized how these artists have not only shaped the landscape of Bollywood music but have also inspired countless singers and musicians globally, yet have not received the recognition they truly deserve from the government.
In his message, Sonu referred to the late Mohammed Rafi, one of India's greatest and most beloved playback singers, who was awarded the Padma Shri, a recognition given for exceptional contributions to the arts. Sonu, however, raised a poignant point about Kishore Kumar, a singer whose voice has been synonymous with the golden era of Bollywood music. Despite his monumental influence and the lasting legacy of his music, Kishore Kumar, Sonu noted, did not receive the Padma Shri in his lifetime. This oversight, he pointed out, felt even more egregious considering the singer's indelible contribution to Indian cinema. Sonu questioned why, in the case of Kishore Kumar, a posthumous award was not granted, further highlighting the inconsistency in the recognition of legends within the music industry.
Sonu also turned his attention to Alka Yagnik, who has had a remarkable and unparalleled career, spanning decades of soulful and hit songs that have resonated with audiences across generations. Despite her profound impact on Bollywood music, Alka Yagnik has not received the Padma Awards, which, according to Sonu, is an oversight that needs to be addressed. He also mentioned Shreya Ghoshal, who has been regarded as one of the finest playback singers in India, delivering soulful renditions across multiple languages for over two decades. Her contribution to the music industry, Sonu argued, is immense, and she too deserves recognition at the highest level, yet she has not been awarded a Padma.
Sunidhi Chauhan, another singer who Sonu praised for her unique and versatile voice, also finds herself overlooked for the Padma Awards, despite having inspired an entire generation of listeners and singers with her vibrant and powerful vocal range. Sunidhi’s contribution to modern Bollywood music is undeniable, yet, like the others mentioned, she too has not been recognized with one of India's highest civilian honors.
Sonu’s video came in the wake of the government of India announcing the list of awardees for the 2025 Padma Awards, which honored 139 individuals from various sectors for their exceptional contributions. While the Padma Awards are one of the highest accolades a civilian can receive in India, Sonu expressed that there is still a gap when it comes to recognizing long-serving artists who have shaped the country's cultural fabric. His comments resonated deeply within the music industry and among fans, with many echoing the sentiment that these legendary singers deserve their due recognition.
Sonu's remarks highlighted a recurring theme within the Indian entertainment industry, where individuals who have made significant contributions are sometimes left out of official recognitions, despite their unquestionable influence. It raises important questions about the criteria and processes used in selecting awardees for the Padma Awards, particularly when it comes to those in the arts and culture domain. His message has sparked broader conversations about the importance of acknowledging talent and legacy, rather than focusing only on contemporary achievements.
Sonu’s voice, which has been synonymous with some of the most unforgettable songs in Bollywood, is now being used to highlight the need for justice for these iconic artists. His video has garnered support from a wide audience, including fellow musicians, fans, and the broader Bollywood community. The discussion around Padma recognitions, particularly in the context of legendary figures like Kishore Kumar, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, and Sunidhi Chauhan, continues to grow, with many calling for a more inclusive approach to recognizing the enduring contributions of those who have shaped India’s music industry.
