Bollywood’s celebrated playback singer, Sonu Nigam, has stirred controversy with his sharp critique of Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman’s music and personal choices. In a candid interview with Zero to India, Sonu referred to Rahman’s songs as “mediocre” and “ineffective,” sparking widespread debate in the entertainment industry.
Discussing the 2008 Bollywood film Yuvvraaj, which starred Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, Sonu shared his thoughts on the film’s soundtrack. He remarked, “Both AR Rahman and I worked on the songs for Yuvvraaj. But honestly, the songs were average—they don’t qualify as good music.”
Sonu also emphasized his refusal to praise subpar work, stating, “I cannot lie or commend bad music. That’s not who I am.”
Addressing Rahman’s personal traits, Sonu said, “Rahman treats his work as sacred and refrains from saying hurtful things to anyone. However, he tends to maintain emotional distance, even from his family and close associates.”
Despite their differences, Sonu and Rahman have collaborated on iconic tracks like “Satrangi Re” (Dil Se) and “Aayo Re Sakhi” (Water), leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
Interestingly, Rahman’s globally celebrated track “Jai Ho” was originally composed for Yuvvraaj but was excluded from the film. It later became the centerpiece of Slumdog Millionaire, earning Rahman an Academy Award.
Sonu’s candid comments have reignited conversations about the dynamic relationship between two of Bollywood’s most prominent musical talents.
