
Key Points
- Sonu Nigam expressed disappointment over iconic singers like Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, and Kishore Kumar not receiving Padma awards.
- In a heartfelt Instagram video, the award-winning singer questioned the lack of recognition for these artists.
- Sonu highlighted their immense contribution to Indian music, calling them an inspiration to singers worldwide.
- He also noted the irony that legends like Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar have either been underappreciated or awarded posthumously.
- Sonu urged authorities to honour these luminaries for their remarkable influence and achievements in the music industry.
Mumbai: Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam, who himself was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022, has raised a poignant question: Why have some of India’s most iconic singers remained unrecognized by the Padma awards? In an emotional video posted on Instagram, Sonu expressed his disappointment over the continued exclusion of celebrated singers like Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, and the legendary Kishore Kumar from the country’s coveted civilian honours.
Speaking Out on Injustice
In the video captioned “India and its pending Padma Awardees,” Sonu passionately advocated for these stalwarts, emphasizing their unparalleled contributions to Indian music. Referring to Kishore Kumar and Mohammed Rafi, he said:
“Do aese singers hai jinhone poore duniya ke singers ko inspire kiya hai. Ek ko toh humne Padma Shri pe hi simtaa diya hai, woh hai Mohammed Rafi sahab. Aur ek hai jinko Padma Shri bhi naseeb nahi hua hai, Kishore Kumar ji. Posthumously award mil rahe hai na (There are two singers who have inspired singers all over the world. One of them, Mohammad Rafi, has only been given a Padma Shri. The other, Kishore Kumar, hasn’t even received that. Awards are being given posthumously, aren’t they?).”
Sonu lamented that Kishore Kumar, a musical legend whose voice defined an era and inspired countless singers globally, has been overlooked. The fact that even posthumous recognition has evaded him remains, according to Sonu, a glaring oversight.
Unrecognized Icons of Today
Shifting focus to contemporary singers, Sonu pointed out that living legends like Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, and Sunidhi Chauhan have not received the recognition they deserve.
“Alka Yagnik ji, itna lamba aur kamaal ka career raha hai, unhe kuch nahi mila abhi tak. Shreya Ghoshal, bohut samay se apni kala ka loha banwa rahi hai. Unko bhi milna chahiye. Sunidhi Chauhan, unhone bhi ek poore generation ko inspire kiya hai apni alag si awaaz se. Unhe bhi kuch nahi mila (Alka Yagnik has had such a long and exceptional career, but she hasn’t received anything yet. Shreya Ghoshal has been proving her brilliance for years; she deserves recognition. Sunidhi Chauhan, with her unique voice, has inspired an entire generation, but she too has received nothing),” said Sonu.
A Call for Fair Recognition
Sonu Nigam believes that these artists have not only entertained millions but have also played a pivotal role in shaping Indian music and inspiring aspiring singers globally. He argued that their unmatched talent should be acknowledged with honours befitting their contributions. His statements resonate with many fans and followers who also feel these artists have been overlooked for too long.
India’s Padma Awards: A History of Oversights?
The Padma Awards Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan are among the highest civilian honours in India, awarded for exceptional contributions in various fields. However, the awards have often faced criticism for overlooking deserving candidates in the arts, particularly in music.
Even Mohammed Rafi, one of India’s greatest playback singers, was only awarded the Padma Shri, and that too while alive. Kishore Kumar, another legendary figure, remains without any Padma award, even posthumously, which continues to surprise and dismay fans.
Sonu Nigam: A Padma Shri Awardee Speaks Up
It is notable that Sonu Nigam himself received the Padma Shri in 2022 from former President Ram Nath Kovind. However, his recent comments suggest that he is using his platform to advocate for his peers and predecessors in the industry who remain unrecognized.
Sonu’s call for fairness has ignited a public discussion about the recognition of artists and the criteria for Padma awards. Many fans have echoed his sentiments, urging the government to reconsider the exclusion of these luminaries.
A Hope for Change
While Sonu’s Instagram video is a plea for justice, it also sheds light on the contributions of some of India’s finest singers, reminding the nation of the need to celebrate its musical heritage. Whether Sonu’s appeal will prompt action remains to be seen, but it has certainly added fuel to an ongoing debate about how India honours its artists.
The ball is now in the government’s court to address these glaring omissions and ensure that the contributions of Kishore Kumar, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, and many others are celebrated on a national stage.