Sonu Nigam was born on July 30, 1973, in Faridabad, Haryana, into a musically inclined family. His father, Agam Kumar Nigam, was a professional singer in the Bollywood circuit, performing primarily at stage shows, which had a strong influence on young Sonu.
He started singing at the age of four, first performing on stage with his father, rendering the legendary Mohammed Rafi’s songs. His rendition of “Kya Hua Tera Wada” earned him early applause. By the time he was 10, Sonu Nigam had already become a known child performer.
Nigam moved to Mumbai in his late teens to pursue playback singing as a full-time career. He received formal training in classical music under the guidance of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, which helped him develop vocal precision and range.
Rise of Sonu Nigam’s Playback Career in Bollywood
Sonu Nigam’s breakthrough came with the 1997 romantic drama “Border”, where he sang “Sandese Aate Hain,” a patriotic ballad that became an anthem for Indian soldiers. This success was closely followed by chart-topping hits in films like “Dil Se,” “Taal,” and “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai”.
His versatility shone in every genre—from the romantic “Kal Ho Naa Ho” to the playful “Main Hoon Na.” Over the years, Nigam became the voice of leading actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Hrithik Roshan, cementing his place as a playback legend. In addition to Hindi films, Sonu has also sung in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, and Marathi, becoming a pan-Indian vocal sensation.
Family Background of Sonu Nigam and Influence of Agam Kumar Nigam
Sonu Nigam’s father, Agam Kumar Nigam, was instrumental in shaping his early career. Agam Kumar himself was a well-known stage performer, especially active during the 1970s and 1980s. He later released devotional and ghazal albums, some of which were collaborations with Sonu.
His mother, Shobha Nigam, maintained a private life but was an anchor in Sonu’s personal journey. The family supported Sonu’s early training and transition to Mumbai’s competitive music industry.
Sonu’s sister, Teesha Nigam, has also dabbled in playback singing, especially in the South Indian music industry, adding another layer to the Nigam family’s musical legacy.
Sonu Nigam’s Marriage to Madhurima and Their Private Life
Sonu Nigam married Madhurima Nigam (née Mishra) in February 2002. The couple prefers a low-key lifestyle away from media glare. Madhurima, though not from the entertainment industry, has been a stable and supportive presence throughout Sonu’s journey.
They have a son, Nevaan Nigam, born in 2007. Nevaan gained attention after singing a child version of “Kolaveri Di,” which went viral in 2011. However, Sonu and Madhurima have been cautious about exposing Nevaan to showbiz at a young age, prioritizing his education and personal development.
Sonu Nigam’s Work in 2025: Latest Songs, Live Performances, and Collaborations
As of 2025, Sonu Nigam remains a formidable force in the Indian music industry. His latest work includes a collaborative track with composer Mithoon titled “Roshni Ka Safar”, released in January 2025. The song, a blend of orchestral instrumentation and soulful lyrics, received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and Nigam’s timeless voice.
He also lent his vocals to the upcoming biopic on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, singing the moving title track “Ek Bharat”, which is expected to be in contention for major awards this year.
In addition to film music, Nigam has focused heavily on independent music. His recent EP “Sur-Taal”, featuring fusion tracks combining Indian classical with jazz elements, has drawn praise for innovation. The EP includes contributions from international musicians and was launched globally through streaming platforms.
Sonu has also returned to the international stage with his 2025 world tour, titled “Voice Beyond Borders.” The tour covers the US, UK, Canada, and UAE, with sold-out shows celebrating his three-decade-long career.
Sonu Nigam’s journey from a child prodigy to a legendary playback singer and global performer has been marked by consistency, evolution, and artistic integrity. In 2025, he stands not only as a voice of generations past but also as a relevant and dynamic artist continuing to redefine Indian music. His ability to balance family, fame, and musical innovation makes Sonu Nigam a truly timeless icon in India’s rich cultural narrative.