A man of many moods and many talents, Sonu Nigam is an institution by himself! His is a voice that never ages, a craft that has no expiry date and a talent so boundless and yet all encompassing. It wouldn’t be too much to say that this Faridabad born lad is the most ‘complete’ voice Bollywood has ever witnessed. There is nothing he cannot sing. From soulful bhajans and qawwalis to heart-melting romantic numbers or euphoric party songs, he has aced it all and how!
This multi Filmfare Award winning artist has lent his voice to actors across age and regions. Be it his Tamil, Telugu or Marathi renditions, he moulds himself completely into the character and embraces an alien language as his own, so much so that even regional playback singers have gone on to shower praises on him.
And for us his audience, there is a Sonu Nigam song to savour for every mood and phase of life. Whether you’re in love, sulking, happy, nostalgic or are ready to take the plunge, there is him and his voice for every occasion. Today we’re revisiting 20 such gems that will make you feel anything between grooving and reminiscing on your life’s most momentous days. On this musical note, let’s get started!
1.Main Badhiya Tu Bhi Badhiya (Sanju)
This peppy rendition is perfect to lighten up your mood and lift your spirits. Sonu brings to the fore his classic comic style and ‘natkhat’ andaaz accompanied by some sassful writing by Puneet Sharma. A modern-day ode to quintessential yesteryear voices like K.L Saigal, this powerhouse of talent delivers a number that is as reminiscent and yet as original as can be.
2. Nagada Nagada (Jab We Met)
No mehendi or a fun wedding festivity playlist can be complete without this track. Eclectic and groovy, this song is what happens when Sonu Nigam roars in tune and style! The terrific energy in his voice remains consistent from the beginning to the end and that certainly speaks much about his craft.
3. Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (Mujhse Shhadi Karogi/Title Track)
Beautifully holding onto his own place in this ensemble singer’s cast, the measured times he does get behind the mike in this one, he shines! And such is the result that no matter how many kickass party numbers come out each year, this one holds a special place as the nostalgia just doesn’t fade.
4. Mahi Ve (Kal Ho Naa Ho)
This timeless song is no less than a full-fledged Bollywood drama film by itself. Yet not a moment of boredom one can feel. Sonu nails his bit of adding fun and energy with his diverse voice. The contemporary go-to mother-daughter wedding track, this rendition is thoroughly heart-warming!
5. Tenu Leke (Salaam-e-Ishq)
Exuding massive confidence and sass in this one, this gem of a talent cleverly moulded his voice to match Bollywood’s bhai’s persona. You hear this track in all it’s ultra remixed versions and yet nothing beats the jazz of the original one!
6. Dil Dooba (Khakee)
This desi salsa version is truly epic! Thanks to the phenomenal voices of Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam and not to forget Ram Sampat’s fun score. Our man does not disappoint in this one and gives us yet another timeless number to groove to.
7. Tumse Milke Dil Ka Hain Jo Haal (Main Hoon Na)
This one track displays the versatility and range of Sonu Nigam’s voice. There are the needed dramatic undertones as well as those popular, soothing melodious couplets. This one makes you get up and take notice while making you sit back and appreciate his talent.
8. Bole Chudiyan (K3G)
The quintessential shaadi-sangeet song, bole chudiyan is high on drama. Helmed together by a range of talented singers, Sonu leaves his individual mark in this one too. Remember the sensuous-solid way in which he sings that particular ‘hai’ before everyone joins in to humm leja leja?!
9. Zoobi Doobi (3 Idiots)
You hear this artist sing in the early 90’s or late 2000’s, his voice doesn’t age! This song is a cheerful reminder of just that. Such is the quality of his voice that even the most serious Khan looks jovial and fun while grooving to his vocal alter ego.
10. Aaj Ki Raat (Don 2)
Carving his spot in this precise female jugalbandi, Sonu’s spots here are limited and he rocks even in that! A fun, peppy number, go back to this if you miss the time before this remix-rage and to enjoy a thoroughly original and kickass number.
11. Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin (Agneepath)
If love had voices, one would certainly be his! Nothing supports this thought better than this melodious-magical rendition. Every word sung here is sure to melt your heart. Nuanced, poised and pristine, this one is soulful personified.
12. Kal Ho Naa Ho (Kal Ho Naa Ho/ Title Track)
Self-admittedly his career defining song, this one holds a special place in everyone’s heart. You need not even be a romantic at heart to surrender to the sublimity of his voice. This one also landed him his first and only National Award and it is not surprising to know why!
13. Deewana Tera (Deewana Album)
From Nigam’s breakthrough album, this gem is loaded with 90’s nostalgia and old-school vibes. Whether you’re taking a road trip, are immersed in endless musings or simply contemplating the chaos within, this number is your perfect companion. Establishing himself as a king of indie pop in this one, this track is for all times and all types.
14. Yeh Dil Deewana (Pardes)
Brimming with passion, this one celebrates the pure expressiveness in his voice! He does complete justice to the situation of the protagonist in the plot and delivers an unforgettable and unique track.
15. Main Agar Kahoon (Om Shanti Om)
Romantic voices like his play an important part in helping the hero appear to be that adorable chocolate boy. He spells magic and charm with his craft here and that has left us with this ultimate go-to love song.
16. Mere Haath Mein (Fanaa)
Sonu adds more meaning in this deeply penned song by Prasoon Joshi. Soulful and heartfelt this track reiterates that when he gets behind the mike to make you ‘feel’, time stands still!
17. Saathiya (Saathiya/ Title Track)
Celebrating the love and lover, this track fills with you with joy and lightness each time you hear it. Matching Rehman’s iconic music, Sonu Nigam delivers a number that is as ageless and boundless as him!
18. Ajnabi Shehar Hai (Jaan-e-Mann)
This one is a pure gem! Slow, sensuous and subtle, this track slows down the world for you. Heartfelt music and some amazing display of talent by Nigam renders this track simply surreal.
19. Satrangi Re (Dil Se)
This track is a work of art by itself. Sonu does complete justice to this thoroughly complex composition and delivers a career-defining performance! Candid, nuanced and expressive, the man goes all out in this one.
20. Tumhi Dekho Na (Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna)
Loaded with all the beauty and delicacy that there is in love, this heartwarming song comes alive in Sonu Nigam’s truthful notes.
So folks, we hope you’ve had and absolute blast revisiting some of Sonu Nigam’s timeless gems. We shall be utterly happy to know your favourite ones 🙂
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