Sonu Nigam conferred with Naushad Sanman in Lucknow

Popular singer Sonu Nigam was conferred with Naushad Sanman in Lucknow recently at an event to be held at the auditorium of the Surya Officers' Institute (SOI) in Lucknow Cantonment. Although the award function is generally held at a civil venue, this time the organisers have decided to include the Army jawans in the celebrations. “Our soldiers put their lives at risk for our safety so this time we decided to host the programme at SOI,” said Zafar Nabi, the organiser. Along with Nigam, the award will also be conferred upon Padma Shri Malini Awasthi.

Talking about coming to Lucknow and being conferred this award, Sonu, who’s known for songs like Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin, Bijuriya, among others, says, “My paternal roots have a Lucknow and Kanpur (Ghatampur) connection. Thus coming to this side of the world is nothing less than coming to my deepest roots. To receive the Naushad Sammaan could be just an award for someone else, but not the same for someone who’s been brought up with his greatness. Throughout my childhood I felt that Mohd Rafi sahib and Naushad sahib were my family members. And I am truly honoured to be considered for this award. It means a lot to me.”

And while the faujis may want to listen to the singer croon a few of his hits, Sonu will not be performing at the event. “Sonu ji will be here only for the award. We will request him to sing a few lines, but it's entirely up to him if he wants to do that,” says Nabi.