BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sonu Nigam (born 30 July 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana, to Agam Kumar Nigam and Shobha Nigam) is an Indian singer whose songs have been featured in Hindi,Kannada, Oriya, Tamil, Assamese, Punjabi, Bengali, Malayalam, Marathi, Telugu and Nepali movies. He has released Indian pop albums and acted in a few movies. He had changed the spelling of his last name from 'Nigam' to 'Niigaam' in accordance with numerology, but later reverted to the original spelling.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

PLAYBACK SINGING

His initial years in Mumbai proved to be a struggle, beginning by singing covers of Mohammed Rafi songs, mainly for a number of "Rafi Ki Yaadein" albums released by T-Series. T-Series promoter Gulshan Kumar gave him a chance to reach a larger audience. In these years Nigam's singing style was regarded by some to be a "Rafi clone". Nigam's first movie song as a playback singer was for Janam (1990), which was never officially released. He then began making radio commercials.

Nigam started hosting the popular TV show, Sa Re Ga Ma, in 1995 with the first episode airing on 1 May. The singing talent competition soon became one of the most popular shows on Indian television. Soon after, he sang "Accha Sila Diya" for the film Bewafa Sanam (1995). His first major success was with the Anu Malik-composed song "Sandese Aate Hai" in Border (1997). Sonu's Album "Deewana" was released by T-Series in 1999, revealing his talent for singing romantic songs and it remains one of India's most successful albums. Sonu's image as a 'Rafi clone' changed after his rendition of the Nadeem-Shravan-composed song "Yeh Dil Deewana" in Pardes in the same year. Since then, he has created a unique style of his own and has become a role model for emerging vocal talent in India.

Over the years, Nigam became a major force in the Indian music industry. He provided playback singing for Hindi movies and won many awards, notably the title song of the film Kal Ho Naa Ho. He recorded romantic, rock, sad and patriotic songs. Nigam sang in many languages besides Hindi, including Kannada, Assamese, Bengali, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, English, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Nepali, Chhattisgarhi,Malayalam and Marathi.

POP ALBUMS AND CONCERTS

Sonu has released pop albums in Hindi, Oriya, Punjabi and Kannada. The most recent addition to his Hindi releases is Classically Mild, a semi-classical album. He has released Hindu and Islamic devotional albums, Also he has Sung in Album, Buddha Hi Buddha Hai(Part 1&2),A Album based on Buddha's teachings composed by Rajesh Dhabare and a couple of Album on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Marathi(Jiwala Jiwach Daan,Part 1&2)tuned on some of his hits numbers from series of Bewafa Sanam, as well as albums of Mohammed Rafi's songs. These are from the Rafi Ki Yaadein collection from his early years, which were re-released in September 2007 as a six-disc collection of 100 songs, titled Kal Aaj Aur Kal, in Rafi's memory. In 2008, soon after releasing Classically Mild, he released a single Punjabi track called "Punjabi Please" and Rafi Resurrected, a two-disc collection of Rafi songs with music by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He contributed to the lyrics of several songs and directed the music for his album Chanda Ki Doli. His last album was Neene Bari Neene in Kannada.

After the death of Michael Jackson, who influenced Nigam considerably (as is evident in his rendition of "Yeh Dil Deewana" in Pardes), Nigam released a song as a tribute to Jackson in collaboration with his fans on Facebook. The song made it to an 18-song global compilation of tribute songs, The Beat of Our Hearts.

Nigam collaborated with Britney Spears on a remix of her "I Wanna Go" track.

Over the years, Nigam has performed in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Russia, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Caribbean|West Indies, Suriname, Mauritius, Nigeria and South Africa. In May/June 2007, he participated in a star-studded show in North America called "The Incredibles" with Asha Bhosle, Kunal Ganjawala and Kailash Kher. In September and October of the same year, he gave solo concerts titled "Simply Sonu" in Canada and Germany, becoming the first Indian singer to perform in the latter country. In April 2008, he toured India promoting his Punjabi single "Punjabi Please".

In November 2007, at the inauguration of Harvard University's 28th president, Dr. Drew Gilpin Faust, Nigam sang Mahatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan, "Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye", with the Harvard College Sangeet. In July 2008, he participated in a three-city tour of the United Kingdom, singing Rafi songs with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). This followed the release of these songs by the CBSO and the Indian music company Sa Re Ga Ma on Rafi Resurrected.

Among several other concerts, he notably participated in a US tour with Sunidhi Chauhan in 2009 called "The Explosion 2009" tour and in a UK tour titled "All Izz Well" in November 2010.

IN KANNADA

Nigam’s first song in Kannada was "Ello Yaro Hego" in the year 1996 for the film Jeevanadi starring Dr.Vishnuvardhan. The song's music was composed by Koti with lyrics by R N Jayagopal. Nigam has sung over 700 Kannada songs and has received several awards for them.

His songs include "Cheluve Yeke Bande" from the film Majnu composed by Gurukiran; "Usire Usire"  from Huccha composed by Rajesh Ramnath; the title track from the film Monalisa composed by Valisa Sandeep; "Hamsave Hamsave" from the film Gatti mela composed by Hamsalekha, "Kannale Kannale" from the film Aham Premasmi composed by V.Ravichandran and "Baaninda Baa Chandira" from the movie Kanti composed by Gurukiran. The 2006 film Mungaru Male created a sensation and several records, mainly in Karnataka. The songs not only set records of highest sales and downloads, the film also set a national record on 29 December 2007 of having completed an entire year at the PVR Cinemas Bengaluru, the first time an Indian language film to do so.

The songs Mungaru Maleye and Anisuthide were composed by Mano Murthy and written by Yogaraj Bhat and Dr.Jayanth Kaikini respectively. Nigam became a sensation in the South and was called the Golden Singer of Karnataka. Nigam says that he finds Kannada songs more fulfilling than the Hindi numbers. Sonu Nigam, in a recent interview to the Deccan Herald news paper has said ‘Kannada songs make me feel positive’.  He said, "I highly respect the muscians of Karnataka and many of my favorite songs are in Kannada. I consider Bangalore as my second birth place. Even if someone requests me to sing a Kannada song while I’m performing in the West Indies, I will sing it for them”.

After that, he sang many Kannada songs including "Antu Antu", "Kanaso Idu", "Ade Bhoomi Ade Baanu", "Ee Sanje Yaakaagide", "Ninna Gungalle", "Maayavi Maayavi", "Gelathi Neeniruvaaga", "Ello Maleyaagide", "Ninnindale Ninnindale", "Male Ninthu Hoda Mele", "Aaramagi Idde", "Maayavaagide manassu", "Maathinalli helalaarenu", "Odi Bandenu", "Ninnanne Nodutha", "Athi Aparoopa", "Udisuve Belakina", "Nooraru Preethi Maathu", "Janumada Jodi", "Minchaagi Neenu", "Jeeva Kaleva", "Onde Samane", "Neeralli Sanna", "Eradu Jadeyannu", "Hethavalalla Avalu", "Yaava Seemeya", "Ellavannu Heluvaase", "Nudisale", "Nodutha Nodutha", "Nee Sanihake", "Yeno Helabeku", "Maleyali Jotheyali", "Paravasha", "Maanasa Gange", "Gup Chup", "Modada Olage", "Aaakasha Neene", "Dil Khush", "Kan Kanna Salige", "Maathu Nannolu", "Neenendare Nannolage", "Neenendare Nanage Ishta", "Ille Ille Ello", "Ninna Kannallide", "Summane Yaake Bande", "Hrudayave Bayaside Ninnane", "Ee Sanje Mabbu Raathri", "Ee Janmavu", "Ninna Nodalentho", "Enaagali Munde", "Putta Putta Kai", "Munduduva", "We are Ok", "Kannaliddare Kanassu", "Gaaliye Nodu Baa", "Ninninda Haaganthe", "Bhoomi Suthodu", "Onde Samane Mididide", "Hrudayavu Ninnade", "Maleya Haniyalli", "Ommomme Yaako", "Preethiyali Haaduve", "Ondooral Oblu Cheluve", "Kaddu Nodala", "Mathe Mathe Ninna", "Enaaytho Adeneyatho", "Sanju Mathu Geetha", "Jotheyalli Nee Baaro", "O Gunavantha", "Baa Maleye Baa", "Dhim Dhim", "Sanjeya", "Yaako Yeno", "Nijaana Naanenaa", "Koncha Reshime", "chalisuvaa cheluve", "Ee Bisilali", "Midiva Ninna", "Onde Ninna Nota Saaku", "Belakininda Baanella Banna", "Chinna Hele Hegiruve", "Dil Dhadak", "Inthi Ninna", "Jagadalu Kanisada", "Lahari", "Lola Lola Thelo", "Maneyannu Kattona", "Mella Mella Ee Preethi", "Mudhaada Ee Naguvige", "Naa Barede Ninna, "Neeli Baanina", "Nenapina Male Hani", "Nodu Baa Cheluve", "Enendu Hesaridali", "Paravashanadenu", "Jhum Jhumka Jhumka", "O Parijatha", "Neene Nanna Saviganasu", "Modale Sigalilla", "Hoovina Santhege", "Chendutiya Pakkadali", "Malla Malla", "Manada Havaamana", "Athi Aathura", "Obba Hudugana Manassu", "Usirigintha Neene Hathira", "Anju Malle Malle", "Enella Helona", "Baa Illi Beesu Thangaaliye", "Modala Maleyanthe", "Mynaa Mynaa", "Buddhi Illa", "Nannede Veene" and many more. His recent songs are 'Baanali Badalaago' from the film "Simple Aagond Love Story" composed by Bharath; 'Mussanje Maleyali' and 'Chennagidde Naanu' from Kannada Sudeep starrer Bachchan composed by V. Harikrishna and the song 'Jagadalliro' from Darshan starrer "Bul Bul" also composed by V. Harikrishna.

With the same Mungaru Male combination, music director Mano Murthy, lyricist Jayant Kaikini and Nigam got together for a Kannada album Neene Bari Neene produced by Ashok Kheny. The songs Neene Bari Neene and Baa Nodu Gelathi were shot on the outskirts of Bengaluru featuring Nigam and model Madhuri Bhattacharya in the lead. Sonu Nigam also composed a theme song for the Karnataka Bulldozer's team in the Celebrity Cricket League. The song was sung by Sonu Nigam, Kunal Ganjawala and Sowmya Raoh, who also penned the lyrics.

AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

·         National Film Awards

·         2004 - Won - National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

·         Filmfare Awards

·         1997 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Sandese Aate Hai" - Border (with Roop Kumar Rathod)

·         1999 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Ishq Bina" - Taal

·         2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tu Fiza Hain" - Fiza

·         2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Panchhi Nadiyaan" - Refugee

·         2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Suraj Hua Maddham" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...

·         2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya

·         2003 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

·         2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Do Pal" - Veer-Zaara

·         2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na

·         2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tumse Milke Dil Ka" - Main Hoon Na

·         2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Dheere Jalna" - Paheli

·         2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Piyu Bole" - Parineeta

·         2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

·         2007 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Agar Kahoon" - Om Shanti Om

·         2008 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Inn Lamhon Ke" - Jodhaa Akbar

·         2009 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Shukran Allah" - Kurbaan (with Salim Merchant)

·         2013 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin" - Agneepath

·         Filmfare Awards South

·         2007 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Ninnindale Ninnindale" - Milana

·         2008 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Eenagali Mundhe Saagu" - Mussanjemaatu

·         2008 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Mayavagide Manasu" - Haage Summane

·         2010 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Hrudayave" - Krishnan Love Story

·         2011 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Paravasha Naadenu" - Paramathma

·         2011 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Neerinalli Sanna Ale" - Hudugaru

·         Screen Awards

·         1998 - Won - Best Male Pop Artist

·         2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Panchhi Nadiyaan" - Refugee

·         2001 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tanhayee" - Dil Chahta Hai

·         2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Is Pyaar Ko Main Kya Naam Doon" - Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai

·         2003 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

·         2004 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tumse Milke Dil Ka" - Main Hoon Na

·         2005 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Dheere Jalna" - Paheli

·         2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Baawri Piya Ki" - Babul

·         International Indian Film Academy Awards

·         2000 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Panchhi Nadiyaan" - Refugee

·         2001 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Suraj Hua Maddham" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...

·         2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "You Are My Soniya" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...

·         2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya

·         2003 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

·         2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na

·         2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Piyu Bole" - Parineeta

·         2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

·         2009 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "All Izz Well" - 3 Idiots

·         Zee Cine Awards

·         1997 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Sandese Aate Hain" - Border ^†

·         2001 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer – Male - "Suraj Hua Maddham" - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...

·         2001 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Tanhayee" - Dil Chahta Hai

·         2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya

·         2003 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

·         2004 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na

·         2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Piyu Bole" - Parineeta

·         2005 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Dheere Jalna" - Paheli

·         2006 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

·         2007 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Agar Kahoon" - Om Shanti Om

·         2013 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" - Agneepath

·         MTV Immies

·         2002 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Saathiya" - Saathiya

·         2003 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na

·         2004 - Won - Best Pop Album - Chanda Ki Doli

·         MTV Style Awards

·         2003 - Style Icon 2003

·         2005 - Style Icon 2005

·         MTV Video Music Award

·         2013 - Won - Best Singer - "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" - Agneepath

·         Anandalok Awards

·         2004 - Best Male Playback Singer - Bandhan

·         2005 - Best Pop Album - Chanda Ki Doli

·         Annual Central European Bollywood Awards

·         2007 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Agar Kahoon" - Om Shanti Om

·         2008 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Inn Lamhon Ke Daaman Me" - Jodhaa Akbar

·         2009 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Shukran Allah" - Kurbaan

·         Lions Gold Award

·         2005 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Main Hoon Na" - Main Hoon Na

·         2008 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Inn Lamhon Ke Daaman Me" - Jodhaa Akbar

·         2013 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer - "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" - Agneepath

·         Indian Television Academy Award

·         2005 - Best Male Singer - Miliee

·         2008 - Best Male Singer - Amber Dhara

·         2009 - Best Male Singer - Dill Mill Gayye

·         Other Awards

·         1997 - Ashirwad Award for Best Male Playback Singer - "Sandese Aate Hain" - Border

·         1997 - Sansui Viewers' Choice Award for Best Male Singer - "Sandese Aate Hain" - Border

·         2003 - Apsara Film Producers' Guild Award for Best Male Playback Singer - "Kal Ho Naa Ho" - Kal Ho Naa Ho

·         2005 - Swaralaya Yesudas Award, for his outstanding performance in Music

·         2005 - Teachers' Achievement Award

·         2006 - Nominated - Global Indian Film Awards - Best Male Playback Singer - "Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna" - Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

·         2010 - GIMA (Global Indian Music Award) for Best Live Performer (Male)

·         2011 - GIMA (Global Indian Music Award) MTV MUSIC YOUTH ICON

·         2011 - The Bangalore Times Film Awards - Best Singer Male (Sanju Mathu Geetha in Sanju Weds Geetha)

·         2012 - Won -Sandalwood Star Award for Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Paravasha Naadenu" - Paramathma

·         2013 - Won -Mirchi Music Award for Male Vocalist of the Year - "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" - Agneepath

·         2013 - Won -TOIFA for Male Vocalist of the Year - "Abhi Mujhme Kahin" - Agneepath