In the mid-’90s, Sonu Nigam, a prominent Indian playback singer, found himself pigeonholed into singing primarily sad songs after the success of “Achha Sila Diya Tune Mere Pyaar Ka” in the film Bewafa Sanam. He humorously recalls receiving offers filled with melancholic themes like death and sorrow. However, his career trajectory underwent a significant shift when he lent his voice to “Ye Dil Deewana” from the movie Pardes, featuring Shah Rukh Khan.
The turning point came as Sonu teamed up with music directors Nadeem-Sharavan, who recommended him to Subhash Ghai for the song. This marked the beginning of Sonu’s exploration of diverse musical genres, moving beyond the melancholy tunes that initially defined his career.
The song “Ye Dil Deewana” not only showcased his versatility but also featured his iconic, spontaneous “ah,” inspired by Michael Jackson’s distinctive style. This pivotal moment catapulted Sonu Nigam into a celebrated playback singer known for delivering chart-topping hits that transcend the boundaries of melancholic melodies, securing his place as one of India’s musical legends.
