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Sonu Nigam criticises exclusion of Kishore Kumar, Alka Yagnik, Sunidhi Chauhan from Padma awards: ‘They haven’t received anything yet’

Renowned playback singer and music composer Sonu Nigam recently slammed the authorities for not even posthumously awarding a Padma honour to legendary musician-actor Kishore Kumar while Mohammad Rafi has only received Padma Shri.

Indian music legends Kishore Kumar, Alka Yagnik and Sunidhi Chauhan. (Express archive photos)

A day after the Union government announced the Padma awards for 2025, renowned playback singer and music composer Sonu Nigam spoke out, expressing disappointment over the ongoing omission of certain music legends who have yet to receive any civilian awards despite their significant contributions. Taking to social media on Sunday, Sonu criticised the authorities for not even posthumously awarding a Padma honour to legendary musician-actor Kishore Kumar.

In a selfie video shared on Instagram, with the caption “India and its pending Padma Awardees,” Sonu said, “There are two singers who have inspired artists all over the world. One of them was limited to the Padma Shri award — that’s Mohammed Rafi saab. The other didn’t even receive a Padma Shri, Kishore Kumar ji. Awards are being given posthumously as well, right?”

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He continued, “Among the current singers is Alka Yagnik ji, who has had such a long and phenomenal career. She hasn’t received anything yet. Shreya Ghoshal has demonstrated brilliance for years and should be honoured. Sunidhi Chauhan has inspired an entire generation with her unique voice, but she has yet to be recognised.”

Watch Sonu Nigam’s comments on Padma Awards 2025 here:

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A post shared by Sonu Nigam (@sonunigamofficial)

Sonu concluded by urging his Instagram followers to comment with names of other prominent figures from various fields — such as music, acting, science and literature — whom they believe deserve a Padma award.

A total of 139 Padma awards, including seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri, were announced on the eve of the 76th Republic Day on Saturday. Of these, the highest number of awards went to the category of arts (51), followed by literature and education (26), trade and industry (10) and medicine (10).

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