Playback singer Sonu Nigam has publicly expressed his disappointment over being overlooked at the IIFA Awards 2025, which were held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Despite the immense popularity and success of his song "Mere Dholna 3.0" from the much-anticipated film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Nigam did not receive a nomination in the Best Playback Singer (Male) category. The final nominees included Arijit Singh, Karan Aujla, Diljit Dosanjh, Baadshah, Jubin Nautiyal, and Mitraz, with Jubin Nautiyal ultimately taking home the award.
Taking to Instagram, Nigam shared a screenshot of the nominees' list, pointing out the glaring omission of his name. In a sarcastic yet strongly worded caption, he wrote, "Thank you, IIFA... After all, you were answerable to the Rajasthan bureaucracy (sic)." His post was accompanied by the background music of "Mere Dholna 3.0," subtly hinting that the song, which was immensely loved by audiences and critics alike, should have at least earned him a nomination, if not a win.
Nigam's post quickly garnered attention and support from both fans and fellow musicians. Composer Amaal Malik was among those who expressed their frustration over the snub, commenting, "Such is the world that we live in... Mazaak banake rakh diya hai (They have made it a joke).” Many others in the music industry, along with Nigam’s fans, echoed similar sentiments, calling out the flawed award nomination process and stating that Nigam’s legacy and contribution to Indian music remain unmatched, regardless of formal recognition.
Beyond the IIFA snub, Sonu Nigam’s dissatisfaction might also be linked to a recent controversy involving Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, who reportedly left Nigam’s concert midway through the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit in Jaipur. The singer, deeply offended by what he saw as a lack of respect for artists, criticized the incident and called for political leaders to either commit fully to attending performances or refrain from coming at all. Speaking on the matter, Nigam stated, “I understand that politicians have busy schedules, but if they cannot stay for an entire performance, they should simply not attend. Walking out in the middle of a show is disrespectful, not just to the artist but to Goddess Saraswati herself.”
Despite these setbacks, Sonu Nigam has remained committed to his craft. Recently, he performed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan despite suffering from a severe back spasm, showcasing his dedication to music. He had earlier shared videos from a concert where he performed while battling physical discomfort, proving once again why he remains one of India’s most revered playback singers.
His recent experiences—whether with award shows or political figures—highlight a larger discussion on the recognition, respect, and treatment of artists in India. While awards can often be influenced by industry politics and external factors, fans and industry veterans alike continue to celebrate Sonu Nigam as one of the greatest and most influential singers of Indian cinema.
