Khata
A Tibetan khata.
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese	哈達
Simplified Chinese	哈达
Transcriptions Mandarin - Hanyu Pinyin hǎdá - Wade–Giles ha3-ta2 - IPA [xɑ̀tɑ̌] Cantonese (Yue) - Jyutping haa5 daat6
Tibetan name
Tibetan	ཁ་བཏགས་
Transcriptions - Wylie kha btags - THDL kha tak - Tibetan Pinyin katak
Mongolian name
Mongolian	хадаг

Blue hadas (khadags) tied to a stone stele at Manzushir Monastery in Mongolia

A hada, khata, katak, or khadag (Mongolian: [xɑtk]) is a traditional ceremonial scarf common in Tibetan and Mongolian culture. It symbolizes purity and compassion. It is usually made of silk. Tibetan hadas are usually white symbolising the pure heart of the giver,^[1][2] though it is quite common to find yellow gold hadas as well. Mongolian hadas are usually blue, symbolizing the sky.

Hadas can be presented along with incense and other religious items^[2] at weddings, funerals, births, graduations, arrivals and departure of guests. The Tibetans^[which?] commonly^{[says who?]} give a kind acknowledgment of "Tashi Delek" (meaning good luck) at the time of presenting.

In Mongolia, hadas are also often tied to ovoos, stupas or special trees and rocks.

References[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Khata / Haddak

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Divya Bharti (25 February 1974 – 5 April 1993) was an Indian film actress,^[1] whose acting variety hailed her as "the most interesting young actress of her generation" starring in a number of commercially successful motion pictures during the early 1990s. She appeared in Hindi films of Bollywood, as well as Telugu and Tamil films. Bharti played a variety of character types; her film roles along with her screen persona contributed to a change in the concept of a Hindi film heroine.^[2]

After spending much of her childhood in Mumbai, Bharti began a career as an actress in 1990 with the Telugu film Bobbili Raja. Her early film appearances were minor, but in films like Vishwatma (1992) where her performance in the song "Saat Samundar Paar" drew attention to her. By 1992, Bharti had progressed to leading roles in films like Shola Aur Shabnam , a melodramatic film that dwelt on her undauntedness. Her dramatic performance in Deewana later that year was hailed by critics and garnered a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.^[3] Bharti has acted in over 14 Hindi films between 1992 and 1993.^[4] Throughout her career, she often played strong female characters and, apart from mainstream cinema. Bharti's last completed films were Rang, co-starring Kamal Sadanah and Shatranj with Jackie Shroff, both released posthumously. ^[5]

Though her career went through certain periods of decline, she reinvented herself numerous times and was credited for her ability to sustain her status.^[6] The final years of Bharti's life were marked by personal problems, and a reputation for unreliability and difficulty to work with. Her career was cut short by her mysterious death on 5 April 1993.^[7] The circumstances of her death, falling from the window ledge of her five-story Versova apartment have been the subject of conjecture.

Family and early life[link]

Divya Bharti was born on February 25 1974, in the Mumbai, India, the eldest child of Omprakash Bharti an insurance officer and Meeta Bharti.^[8] Meeta Bharti was the second wife of Omprakash Bharti. She had a younger brother Kunal. Bharti Studied at Maneckji Cooper High School in Juhu, Mumbai, in same era as actors Farhan Akhtar and Rani Mukherji attended. She was an average in studies and completed grade 9th.^[9]

Career[link]

1988-1990: Early work and career beginnings[link]

In 1988, Bharti met film-maker Nandu Tolani when she accompanied a friend. Upon seeing her, Nandu Tolani insisted that she become an actress. At that time Bharti was in the ninth standard. She was originally scheduled to make her screen debut in Gunahon Ka Devta in 1988, but her role was cancelled later.^[10] Kirti Kumar (Govinda's brother) noticed the Divya at a video library, was eager to sign up Divya for Radha Ka Sangam opposite Govinda. Weeks later Kirti went personally to meet Dilip Shankar and managed to release Divya from their contract. Before the first shot was taken, Bharti was out of the film after being groomed for two years and replaced by Juhi Chawla.^[11]

Bharti's career was on end until D. Ramanaidu, one of the biggest producers of Telugu cinema offered Bobbili Raja opposite his son Daggubati Venkatesh. She commenced shooting for her first release. The film was released in the summer of 1990 and became a colossal hit.^[12] She was introduced as Rani, daughter of the minister who has had all the comforts of life. The film was considered an usual launch for a newcomer, However, she was eventually noticed for her role, particularly for the forthright character she played.

Although highly regarded for her acting abilities, Bharti acted in only one Tamil film titled Nila Penne opposite Anand Babu, the son of legendary actor, Nagesh who was most widely known for several leading roles in the early 1990s and his dancing exploits. The film was critically and financially unsuccessful.^[13]

1990–1992:Rise to stardom in Telugu cinema[link]

With more hits, Bharti became a bigger name in Telugu cinema.^[14] In box-office ratings, she figured next to Vijayshanti. In 1991, Bharti gave back-to-back hits, including Rowdy Alludu and Assembly Rowdy opposite Chiranjeevi and Mohan Babu.^[15]

Later that year, A Kodandarami Reddy's action romantic Dharma Kshetram under Sri Rajeev Productions released. Bharti essayed the role of beautiful girl along with a prominent Telugu film actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, who then starred in many critical and commercial films with the highest number of dual roles (Thirteen). The film went on to become one of the biggest hits of Telugu cinema of its time.^[16] Nandamuri Balakrishna said about her performance, "This is an exceptional position reflecting an exceptional role she has played for us." ^[17]

1992–1993:Rise to stardom in Bollywood[link]

Bharti's first Bollywood film was Vishwatma opposite Sunny Deol, directed by Rajiv Rai which released on January 2, 1992. The film was an average grosser at the box office but gained Bharti wider recognition from the public as well as film critics.^[18] the film was only declared an average grosser.^[19] Notably, the music of the film was very successful especially the song "Saat Samundar" which became a favorite and gave Bharti the limelight into Bollywood..^[20]

Seven days later, Bharti's next film, Lawrence D'Souza's romantic drama Dil Ka Kya Kasoor alongside Prithvi and Sanam released but opened badly.^[21] Bharti's role was that of a girl by the name of Seema, who is secretly in love with a guy who wants to be a singer. She secretly helps him become a successful singer by writing songs for him but keeps her identity a secret from him. Through her songs he becomes popular and wealthy virtually overnight. The music of this film from duo Nadeem-Shravan was an instant hit due to its catchy melody. But the film din't do well at the box office. However, Filmfare magazines started including Bharti in the list of 1992 "Top Ten Best Actress Performances". After Bharti's flops, she was quoted as saying, "I wanted to prove myself. But I've fallen flat on my face. Now, I have to begin my climb all over again. Yet, I'm positive that one day, success will be mine." (Stardust, March 1992).^[22]

In March 1992, David Dhawan's Shola Aur Shabnam was released. Bharti starred as Divya, the love interest of Karan (Govinda. Karan and Divya both plan to marry each other. Circumstances act against them, and they flee together, with Kali Baba's (Gulshan Grover) men after them. Shola Aur Shabnam was popular with critics and was a box office hit in India,^[23] establishing Bharti once again. She received a Lux Face of the Year title. It also gave a big boost to Govinda's career^[24], as well as launching David Dhawan as an established director.^[25].

Four months later, Bharti received further success in Raj Kanwar's Filmfare award winning love story Deewana ^[26] starred veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, and newcomer Shahrukh Khan. Bharti essayed the role of Kajal who falls in love and marries a famous singer named Ravi (Rishi Kapoor). After Ravi is presumed dead after falling off a cliff, the widowed and depressed Kajal meets a young man named Raja (Shahrukh Khan). Deewana grossed 14 crore, and Boxoffice India declared it a hit.^[27] Her performance in Deewana was highly appreciated. ^[28] Critics reported that Bharti belonged to a new breed of Hindi film actors that breaks away from character stereotypes. Bharti and Shahrukh Khan both were awarded with Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut and Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut respectively.

By July 1992, Bharti's work in Deewana was said to have earned her more acknowledge. She was listed as one of the "Most Valuable Young Stars". Further films like Jaan Se Pyaara, once again with Govinda, Geet and Balwaan with another debutant Sunil Shetty followed. Balwaan premiered on 11 September 1992 and was an success, establishing Sunil Shetty as a tough action hero. The film was considered an unusual for Bharti, as her role called for only minutes of screen time. Her role was small, and was not well received. She was mostly criticised for taking a role of minimal importance. Although she explained that the decision was significant, so even when characters are being unkind it's hard not to like

By the end of the year, She starred in Hema Malini's Dil Aashna Hai once again co-starring Shahrukh Khan. The film tells the story of a young girl brought up in a brothel, who is a cabaret dancer in Digvijay Singh's (Kabir Bedi) five-star hotel. Karan (Shahrukh Khan) falls in love with Laila. Laila is aided by Karan in the search for her birth mother. Laila is determined to bring seek answers and find acceptance from her real mother. The film garnered negative reviews and poor box office returns.^[29] She described the role as an attempt to pretext her cursorial public image. Hema Malini labelled her role by stating that "The lady has not just looked glamorous but she has walked with symmetry, smiled with austerity and spoke with sangfroid" ^[30]

Bharti's final film before her death was the ensemble film Kshatriya, released just 10 days before her death. Her last completed films Rang and Shatranj were released months after her death and dedicated to her memory. She had completed 80% shooting of the film Laadla before her role was recast with Sridevi. She was also set to star in films like Mohra, Vijaypath, Kartavya and Andolan but was replaced by other actresses.

Personal life[link]

Bharti married film producer Sajid Nadiadwala in 1992.^[7] They had met in 1990 at Film City, when Sajid dropped by the sets to meet Govinda on the sets of Shola Aur Shabnam.^[31]

Death and aftermath[link]

Around midnight of 5 April 1993, Bharti fell to her death from a five-storey Versova apartment building in Mumbai. There was much speculation by the media regarding Bharti's sudden demise, including the possibility of accidental death, well planned conspiracy or even murder. ^[32] Mumbai Police failed to find evidences and closed the investigation in 1998. Some conspiracy theories involved her husband Sajid Nadiadwala, while other theories suggested Mafia complicity. But the circumstances of her death still remain a mystery.^[33]

Bharti's body was released to her family, who had arranged for a cremation ceremony.^[34] On 7 April 1993, Bharti was cremated in Hindu fashion.

Filmography[link]

Incomplete films[link]

Year of release	Title	Co-Star	Replacement
1993	Dhanwan	Ajay Devgan	Karisma Kapoor
1993	Tholi Muddhu	Prashanth	Rambha
1993	Do Kadam	Salman Khan	N
1993	Parinaam	Akshay Kumar	N
1993	Chal Pe Chal	Jackie Shroff	N
1993	Bajrangi	Sunny Deol	N
1994	Mohra	Akshay Kumar	Raveena Tandon
1994	Laadla	Anil Kapoor	Sridevi
1994	Vijaypath	Ajay Devgan	Tabu
1995	Andolan	Ajay Sharma	Mamta Kulkarni
1995	Kartavya (1995 film)	Sanjay Kapoor	Juhi Chawla
1995	Angrakshak	Sunny Deol	Pooja Bhatt
1995	Hulchul	Ajay Devgan	Kajol
1995	Kanyadaan	Rishi Kapoor	Manisha Koirala

The list of incomplete films is copyright from Filmfare and Cineblitz magazines of May 1993.

N = Indicates that the movie wasn't made.

References[link]

External links[link]

• Divya Bharti at the Internet Movie Database
• http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-07/news-interviews/31300649_1_biopic-bollywood-debut-mystery
• http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Not-making-film-based-on-Divya-Bharti-Sandhu/Article1-837814.aspx

This biographical article needs additional citations for verification. Please help by adding reliable sources. Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced must be removed immediately, especially if potentially libelous or harmful. (May 2011)

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Sonu Nigam
Background information
Born	(1973-07-30) 30 July 1973 (age 38) Faridabad, Haryana, India
Genres	Pop, playback singing
Occupations	Singer, Actor, Music Director, Television presenter, Radio jockey
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1985–present
Website	sonunigam.in

Sonu Nigam (born 30 July 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana, India)^[1] is an Indian singer whose songs have been featured in numerous Hindi and Kannada movies, as well as films in Tamil, Assamese, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi and Telugu. He has also released numerous Indi-pop albums and acted in a few Hindi movies. He had changed the spelling of his last name from 'Nigam' to 'Niigaam' in accordance with numerology, but later returned to the original spelling 'Nigam'.^[2]

Career[link]

Early years and playback singing[link]

Sonu Nigam began his singing career at the age of three, when he joined his father on stage to sing Mohammed Rafi's "Kya Hua Tera Vaada, Wo Kasam Wo Irada". From then on Sonu accompanied his father on his singing appearances at weddings and parties. In his teenage years he successfully participated in several music competitions. He moved to Mumbai with his father to begin his Bollywood singing career at the age of 19.^[3]

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 played a key role in identifying Nigam's talent by giving him a chance to reach a larger audience. These albums contributed to T-Series for some years although Nigam's singing style was regarded by some to be like that of a "Rafi clone". Nigam's first movie song as a playback singer was Janam (1990), which was never officially released. He also got a break in radio commercials until he appeared on the popular TV show Sa Re Ga Ma, after which there was no turning back. He was trained by classical singer Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.

Nigam started hosting Sa Re Ga Ma in 1995 with the first episode airing on 1 May 1995. The television singing talent competition soon became one of the most popular shows on Indian television. Soon after, he sang "Accha Sila Diya" on the album Bewafa Sanam (1995), which was very successful.^[3] Singing offers started pouring in thereafter, albeit slowly at first. He rose to fame with the Anu Malik-composed song "Sandese Aate Hain," in Border in 1997. Sonu's Album "Deewana" with released with T-Series in 1999, identified his talent of singing romantic songs and remains one of the most successful albums ever. 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 and has become a role model for emerging vocal talent in India.^[3]

Over the years, Nigam has become a major force in the Indian music industry. He has provided playback singing for a large number of Hindi movies and won many awards. His rendition of the title song of the film Kal Ho Naa Ho has been very popular. He is recognized for his singing of romantic, rock, sad, and patriotic songs. Nigam has sung songs in many languages besides Hindi, including Kannada, Bengali, Oriya, Punjabi], Tamil, |Telugu, English, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Nepali, Chhattisgarhi, Malayalam and Marathi.^[3]

Pop albums and concerts[link]

Sonu has released a number of pop albums, in Hindi, Punjabi and Kannada. The most recent addition to his Hindi releases is Classically Mild, a semi-classical album.^[4] He has also released Hindu and Islamic devotional albums, as well as albums of Mohammed Rafi's songs. These are from the Rafi Ki Yaadein collection in his early years, which have been re-released in September 2007 as a six-disc collection of 100 songs, titled Kal Aaj Aur Kal, in Mohammed Rafi's memory.^[5] In 2008, soon after releasing Classically Mild, he released a single Punjabi track called "Punjabi Please"^[6] and Rafi Resurrected, a two-disc collection of Mohammed Rafi songs with music by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He has contributed to the lyrics of several of his album 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, of whom Sonu Nigam was considerably influenced (as is evident in his rendition of "Dil Deewana" in Pardes), Nigam released a tribute song to Jackson in collaboration with his fans on Facebook. The song made it to an 18-song global compilation of tribute songs CD The Beat of Our Hearts.^[7]

Sonu Nigam has also collaborated with Britney Spears on a remix of her "I Wanna Go" track.^[8]

Over the years, Nigam has given concert performances in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Russia, Afghanistan, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, 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," in which Asha Bhosle, Kunal Ganjawala and Kailash Kher participated. 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).^[9] In April 2008, he did a marathon of concerts in cities in India, promoting his Punjabi single "Punjabi Please".^[10]

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.^[11]

In July 2008, he participated in a three-city tour of the United Kingdom, singing Mohammed Rafi songs with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra].^[12] This followed the release of these songs by the CBSO and the Indian music company Sa Re Ga Ma in the album Rafi Resurrected.^[13]

Amongst 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. He is now going to share stage in April 2012 with Atif Aslam at The O2 Arena, London in Flex FX Dhamaka^[14] concert to promote love, peace & unity among India and Pakistan.

Radio and acting[link]

In 2006, Sonu Nigam hosted his own radio show called Life Ki Dhun with Sonu Niigaam on Radiocity 91.1 FM, where he had the opportunity to interview music industry greats, including Lata Mangeshkar on the last aired episode.^[15]

Nigam's acting career^[16] started as a child artist in a number of films including 1983's Betaab. As an adult, he has acted in a few more films, namely Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani alongside Sunny Deol, Manisha Koirala and Akshay Kumar as well as other actors; Kash Aap Hamare Hote, where he plays the male lead opposite Juhi Babbar, daughter of Raj Babbar; and most recently, Love in Nepal with Flora Saini and Sweta Keswani, where he again plays a leading role. None of the films have done well at the box office, although his acting was much better appreciated in his last venture. He has not taken up acting since Love in Nepal, but has recently been said to be involved in another film as a lead actor. The film, called Ankhon Ankhon Mein, is about a blind singer.^[17]

Television[link]

Sonu Nigam was the host of Sa Re Ga Ma from 1 May 1995 to 1999. He was the first host.^[18] He returned on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs International as a judge with Suresh Wadkar in October 2007. Nigam was a celebrity judge on the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Mega Challenge grand finale on 12 December, 2009 which marked the 1000th episode.

He hosted the TV show Kisme Kitna Hai Dum on Star Plus in 2002.

Nigam appeared as the judge for Indian Idol in season 1 (October 2004–March 2005) and season 2 (November 2005–April 2006). He was a celebrity judge in season 3 (17 August 2007) and season 4 (16 January 2009 and 6 February 2009).

He also appeared as a celebrity judge on Amul STAR Voice of India in August 2007 (Season 1) and in December 2008 (Season 2) and on the grand finale of music reality show Jo Jeeta Wohi Super Star on 12 July 12, 2008.

Nigam was a judge/mentor on Chhote Ustaad - Do Deshon Ki Ek Awaaz (July 2010–October 2010) with Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Nigam lend his voice for the lead character, Aladdin in the Hindi translated version of Aladdin animated movie.^[19]

He was a judge/mentor on the first season of X Factor (India) (May 29, 2011 – September 2, 2011) along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shreya Ghoshal.^[18]

Future projects[link]

Nigam is working on an English album called Spirit Unfolding.^[20]

He is working on a project called Time Travel, wherein his voice will be aligned with recordings of other singers in Hindi songs.^[21]

In Kannada[link]

Sonu Nigam’s first Kannada song was in the year 1996 from the film Jeevanadi starring South Super Star Dr. Vishnuvardhan and the song was ‘Ello Yaro Hego’ composed by Music director Koti and written by Kannada’s very popular lyricist R.N.Jayagopal.^[22] Sonu Nigam has sung almost 600 Kannada songs until date ^[23] and has also won filmfares, Kannada television awards etc for his Kannada blockbuster songs. Though he sang hit songs initially like ‘Cheluve Yeke Bande’ from the film Majnu composed by Gurukiran,^[24] ‘Usire Usire’ from Huccha composed by Rajesh Ramnath,^[25] Title track from the film Monalisa composed by Valisa Sandeep,^[26] Hamsave Hamsave from the film Gatti mela composed by Hamsalekha,^[27] Kannale Kannale from the film Aham Premasmi composed by V.Ravichandran,^[28] Baaninda Baa Chandira from the movie Kanti composed by Gurukiran,^[29] it was in 2006 blockbuster film Mungaru Male that created a sensation and several records, mainly in Karnataka ^[30][31][32] that Sonu Nigam shot to fame. The songs not only created records of highest sales and downloads, but the film too set a national record on December 29, 2007 of having completed 1 whole year at the PVR Cinemas Bengaluru. This was the first time in the history of any multiplexes in the national level that an India language film has had a one whole year run at the box office where films keep changing every week.^[33][34][35] The songs Mungaru Maleye and Anisuthide were composed by Mano Murthy and written by Yogaraj Bhat and Jayant Kaikini respectively. He never looked back from then. Sonu Nigam became a sensation in the South and is called the Golden Singer of Karnataka and he himself says that he finds Kannada songs more fulfilling than the Hindi numbers.^[36][37][38] Sonu Nigam, in a recent interview to the Deccan Herald news paper has said ‘Kannada songs make me feel positive’.^[39]

After that, his blockbuster hits like 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 naanu, Maayavaagide manassu, Maathinalli helalaarenu, Odi Bandenu, Ninnanne Nodutha, Athi Aparoopa, Udisuve Belakina Seereya, 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 Bandare, 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, Kannaliddare Kanassu, Gaaliye Nodu Baa, Ninninda Haaganthe, Bhoomi Suthodu, Onde Samane Mididide Ee Manassu, Hrudayavu Ninnade, Maleya Haniyalli, Ommomme Yaako, Preethiyali Haaduve Ninagoskara, Ondooral Oblu Cheluve, Kaddu Nodala, Mathe Mathe Ninna, Enaaytho Adeneyatho, Sanju Mathu Geetha, Jotheyalli Nee Baaro, O Gunavantha, Baa Maleye Baa, Dhim Dhim, Nijaana Naanenaa, Koncha Hunnime, chalisuvaa cheluve, Ee Bisilali, Midiva Ninna Hrudayadalli, Onde Ninna Nota Saaku and many more have struck the chord with the audience in such a way that he has a very huge fan following in Karnataka.^[40][41][42]

And with the same record breaking Mungaru Male combination, Music Director Mano Murthy, lyricist Jayant Kaikini and Sonu Nigam got together with the Kannada album Neene Bari Neene produced by Ashok Kheny. All songs from the album were big hits. Especially the two songs Neene Bari Neene and Baa Nodu Gelathi that were shot in the outskerts of Bengaluru featuring Sonunigam and Model Madhuri Bhattacharya in the lead.^[43][44] 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 himself, Kunal Ganjawala and Sowmya Raoh, who also penned the lyrics.^[45]

Dubbing career[link]

Sonu Nigam is also in the Dubbing Industry on where he voices certain roles in Hindi from foreign films, especially Hollywood films.

Dubbing Roles[link]

Animated Films[link]

Personal life and voluntary work[link]

Sonu Nigam during a Peace Rally in Mumbai on 20th November 2011

Sonu Nigam comes from a merchant family. Born to Agam Kumar Nigam and Shobha Nigam on 30 July 1973 in Faridabad, Haryana, India, he attended the J.D. Tytler School. He has two sisters, Meenal and Neekita. In the last few years his father has released several hit albums including "Bewafaai" and "Phir Bewafaai" and, more recently, "Bewafaai ka Aalam". Neekita is also an upcoming singer and has several songs and awards to her name, both in Hindi and Kannada. Sonu married Madhurima on 15 February 2002.^[47] They have a son, Nevaan, born in 2007.^[48] Nevaan is also very interested in music and has recently recorded a song with Lata Mangeshkar.

Sonu Nigam practices fitness and yoga exercises, and has trained in Taekwondo.^[1] He claims to be spiritual rather than religious.^[49]

Nigam has done work for various charities in India as well as abroad for Dignity Foundation, various cancer organizations, leprosy organizations, blindness organizations, women's welfare organizations, kargil war affected families, earthquake affected families. He also sponsors a child from the organization “Crayon”.^[1] He has made various appearances in the cause of HIV / AIDS and also has a song titled "Papa I'm sorry" relating to this. He has also released several songs and made several contributions to the cause of peace between India and Pakistan.

Awards and nominations[link]

Following are the awards and nominations for Sonu Nigam^[50]

• 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 Hain" - 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)

• Filmfare Awards South
  • 2007 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Ninnindale Ninnindale" - Milana
  • 2008 - Won - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Eenagali Mundhe Saagu" - Mussanjemaatu ^[51]
  • 2008 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Mayavagide Manasu" - Haage Summane
  • 2010 - Nominated - Best Male Playback Singer (Kannada) - "Hrudayave" - Krishnan Love Story

• 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

• 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

• Anandalok Awards
  • 2004 - Best Male Playback Singer - Bandhan^[52]
  • 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

• 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)^[53]
  • 2011 - GIMA (Global Indian Music Award) MTV MUSIC YOUTH ICON

Discography[link]

Filmography[link]

Nigam has acted in various films.

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Sonu Nigam

• Sonu Nigam at the Internet Movie Database
• Official site
• Sonu Nigam collaborates with Britney Spears