Sonu Nigam is more than just a singer, he’s a voice that every Indian, no matter where they are from feels connected to. Known for his magical voice in Hindi songs, what many might not know is how deep and wide his work truly goes. From popular hits to devotional tracks, Sonu Nigam’s music has travelled across states, languages and cultures, blending beautifully with every region that he collaborated with.
As he celebrates his birthday today, we take a closer look at his powerful contributions to Indian music across regions, especially in some of the lesser-known Indian languages.
Bengali: Sonu has been a favourite in the Bengali music world for years. He’s been the go-to voice for many composers in Bengal, delivering hits like Amake Bolte Dao, O Lalipop Sundhari, Raat Name Du Chokhe and more. His voice blends smoothly with the emotional and cultural tones of Bengali songs, making him a much-loved name in the region.
Nepali: In his very early career itself, Sonu stepped beyond India’s borders and sang in Nepali. Songs like Ukali Orali Gardai, Yo Jindagile K Garyo K Garyo and Katra Katra helped him gain a strong fan base in Nepal. His voice in Ukali Orali Gardai especially became a massive hit, strengthening musical ties between the two countries.
Assamese: From the heartland to the Northeast, Sonu didn’t hold back. He worked with Assamese artists and won hearts with folk songs like Kuliti Oi Bihuti Anilane Nai. He also sang Lagori Tumi Mor Howane and Tumi Jodi Juri, creating strong bonds with Assamese listeners especially during live shows and digital concerts.
Punjabi: Though Sonu Nigam hasn’t sung many Punjabi songs, the ones he has are loved deeply. Tracks like Simran (Ik Onkar), Kithe Jave, and No. 1 Punjabi show his ability to bring emotion and depth to both romantic and devotional Punjabi music.
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Bhojpuri: In Bhojpuri, Sonu’s most known work is the Chhath Puja anthem Jai Chhathi Maiya, a song full of devotion and local flavour is widely celebrated even today. He also sang Upload Kari Devra and Chanarma Mein Daag, capturing the essence of Bhojpuri culture and its festivals.
Gujarati: Sonu Nigam proved his versatility by working in Gujarati too. His song Ishq Rang from Romance Complicated became a regional favorite. His smooth singing style fit well with the musical tone of Gujarati pop and cinema.
Odia: In Odisha, Sonu has left a strong mark with his soulful tracks. Songs like Mo Bahuda Bela Hela, Sindura Pindhibu Nali Nali and Kede Sundara are still popular among natives there. His voice brings both romance and devotion alive in the Odia language.
Tulu: Tulu, a language which is spoken mostly in coastal regions of Karnataka is rarely explored by mainstream singers. But Sonu Nigam’s willingness to sing in this language showed his commitment to exploring every corner of Indian music. His songs Ninna Teliken (from Dhand) and Nempapunda Aa Dina (from Madime) are loved by Tulu speakers and show how adaptable his voice really is.
Urdu: Urdu, though close to Hindi, carries its own musical beauty. Sonu has sung various ghazals and classical songs in Urdu that go beyond just film music. His work connects deeply with South Asian listeners who enjoy soulful and poetic expressions in music.
Sanskrit: Sonu also made Sanskrit sound fresh and emotional with his soul-stirring voice. He has lent his voice to shlokas and mantras for devotional albums and stage events. His Sanskrit renditions bring calm, spiritual energy to listeners of all ages.
What makes Sonu Nigam’s journey so unique is how naturally he fits into every language. He doesn’t just sing the words, he indeed understands their soul. Whether it’s a folk tune from Assam or a romantic track in Bengali, his voice always sounds like it belongs. And he hasn’t just sung in 10 or even 20 languages, he has sung in over 32 Indian languages including international too. This includes rare languages like Chhattisgarhi, Maithili, Manipuri, Malayalam and even English.
Sonu doesn’t rely on just playback singing for Hindi films. He constantly works with regional composers, dives into folk traditions and takes up challenging projects, all of which show his love for music and respect for every culture.
The beauty of Sonu Nigam’s musical journey is that it brings people together, bringing spotlight to regional music that often doesn’t get national attention. His work helps break language barriers in Indian music, giving every region a voice that can be heard across the country and beyond!
As we celebrate his 52nd birthday today, we also celebrate his contribution to India’s cultural unity. Through every song in every language, he reminds us that music is the strongest thread holding India together making him a true pan-Indian icon, being unmatched with his versatility in every heart out there!
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The post From Odia To Tulu: How Sonu Nigam Gave Voice To Unsung Languages Of India appeared first on India’s Favourite Entertainment Network Since 1987 - Lehren.
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