An upset Sonu Nigam lists Kishore Kumar, Alka Yagnik as India’s ‘pending Padma Awardees’

Sonu Nigam expressed disappointment over Kishore Kumar not receiving the Padma Shri, and advocated for recognition of music legends

Noting that Padma awards were even given posthumously to recognise 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 awards were announced, Sonu Nigam -- who himself is a Padma Shri recipient -- also said colleagues like Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan should be felicitated with the honour given their contribution to the music world.

"There are two singers who have inspired singers all over the world. We have limited 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," he said in the post, captioned as "India and its pending Padma Awardees".

While Rafi received the Padma Shri in 1967, 13 years before his death, Kishore Kumar -- who died in 1987 -- is yet to be felicitated with the honour.

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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 were named Padma Shri recipients.

Sonu Nigam, who received the Padma Shri in 2022, said there are many personalities from different walks of life who have mastered their craft but weren't recognised by the government for their contribution. He also pitched the names of Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal and Sunidhi Chauhan for the honour.