From performing on stage with his father at the age of four to becoming the most popular contemporary singer in Bollywood, from collaborating with international pop stars such as Britney Spears and DJ Avicii to winning numerous awards (including a national award, two Filmfare awards in Hindi and two Filmfare Awards South) Sonu Nigam dazzled millions of music lovers around the world. The singer recently received an honorary scholarship from a leading Indian diaspora student organization for his worldwide impact in the field of music.
According to a report by PTI, the National Indian Students and Alumni Association (NISAU), UK, awarded Nigam a scholarship during his packed performance at Wembley Arena in London last weekend. It was presented on stage by veteran British Labor Party MP in India Virendra Sharma and Professor Rachel Dwyer, Emeritus Professor of Indian Culture at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
“You once mentioned that music is not only your profession, but the reason you exist. It is this passion, combined with your commitment to give back to the community, that resonates deeply with what we stand for at NISAU,” said Sanam Arora, Chair of NISAU UK, in her speech at the ceremony. “We strive to empower, lead and inspire the principles you embody through your daily actions.
You are not only a musical icon, but a bridge connecting hearts, minds and nations through music; and supporting the community through philanthropic efforts, whether that be fighting for performers’ rights or championing gender equality, such as by founding the world’s first transgender band,” she said.
The honorary fellowship, previously awarded to actor Shabana Azmi, writer Javed Akhtar and spiritualist Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, among others, is awarded to individuals who make a significant contribution to Indian cultural exchange, education and social betterment on the global stage. “I am very touched to hear and read such kind words about me. Thank you NISAU for your love and this honor. I consider it another precious gift from my Almighty,” Nigam said after receiving the honor.
The 50-year-old multi-platinum Bollywood singer and Padma Shri have completed their UK tour, performing in London, Leeds, Glasgow and Birmingham as part of a series of shows celebrating 30 years of their chart-topping blockbusters hits including “Kal Ho Naa Ho”, “Shukran Allah” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”.
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