Padma Shri Sonu Nigam: Whatever I know today is because of my gurus
The singer shares his reaction on the prestigious honour
Singer Sonu Nigam has been honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, for his contribution to the arts.
A leading voice of his generation, Sonu has defined three decades of Hindi film music. His playback career has spanned multiple genres and languages. He has also composed albums, judged musical reality shows and acted in films. He is a recipient of one National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer (2005, Kal Ho Naa Ho) and numerous other awards.
"January 25 was a rather special day for me and my family," Sonu shares about the prestigious honour. "I’m thankful to the Government of India for thinking of me as a deserving candidate and bestowing me the Padma Shri. My heartfelt thanks to all those who selected me and suggested my name for this prestigious honour. I would also like to thank my mother, Shobha Nigam, and my father, Agam Kumar Nigam. In fact, I want to dedicate this award to my mother. Had she been here today, she would have cried a lot."
Sonu thanks his gurus for guiding him on his musical journey. He was trained by Hindustani classical singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan. The veteran passed away last year.
"I would also take this opportunity to fold my hands before my gurus who have taught me so much. Whatever I know today is because of them and their blessings. Watching and listening to them has been a learning experience for me.
My sincere gratitude to my friends and colleagues who have been a part of my journey, and my family who is my pillar of support.
Der aaye durust aaye (better late than never)," signs off Padma Shri Sonu Nigam