Noting that Padma awards were even given posthumously to recognize talent and contribution of individuals, popular singer Sonu Nigam has expressed disappointment over Kishore Kumar, a voice who has inspired singers across the world, for not being considered for "a Padma Shri".
In an Instagram video shared on Sunday, a day after the announcements, Nigam -- a Padma Shri recipient himself -- also says that colleagues such as Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan should have been felicitated with this honour given their contribution to the music world.
"There are two singers who have inspired singers all around the world. We have shortlisted one of them with the Padma Shri award, that's Mohammed Rafi. The other one didn't even get a Padma Shri, Kishore Kumar. Awards are being given posthumously," Nigam wrote in the post, which she captioned "India and its pending Padma Awardees".
While Rafi got the Padma Shri in 1967, 13 years before his death, Kumar, who passed away in 1987, has not yet been feted with the honour.
Part of the Padma Awards 2025 are late singers Sharda Sinha and Pankaj Udhas, who have been posthumously honoured with Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, respectively. Singers Arijit Singh and Jaspinder Narula have been named as Padma Shri recipients.
Nigam, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2022, said there are many personalities from different walks of life, have mastered their skills but never had recognition from the government because of their contribution. The names of Yagnik, Ghoshal and Chauhan have also been pitched for the honour.
"Among the current singers, Alka Yagnik had such a long and phenomenal career, she hasn't received anything yet. Shreya Ghoshal has been proving her brilliance for a long time. She also should be honoured. Sunidhi Chauhan has inspired an entire generation with her unique voice. She also hasn't received anything yet," he added.
The singer concluded the video by asking his followers to mention the names of such personalities in various fields, be it music and films or science or literature, who would deserve to be felicitated with the Padma Awards.
Known for tracks "Suraj Hua Maddham", "Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin", "Tumse Milke Dil Ka", "Ram Jaane" and "Diwana Hai Ye Man" to name a few, Nigam rose to fame in 1995 with his song "Accha Sila Diya" from the film "Bewafa Sanam".
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