Sonu Nigam takes a dig at IIFA 2025 after being left out of nominations for Best Playback Singer

Sonu Nigam shows disappointment at IIFA 2025

Sonu Nigam recently expressed his disappointment with the IIFA 2025 awards for not nominating him in the Best Male Playback Singer category for his song Mere Dholna 3.0 from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Taking to Instagram, Sonu shared a screenshot of the nominees in the category and subtly highlighted the omission by adding his own song to the list.

In a cryptic yet pointed caption, he wrote, "Thank you, IIFA. After all, you were answerable to the Rajasthan bureaucracy." His remark appeared to be a veiled dig at the event organisers, possibly hinting at favouritism or external influence in the nominations.

The irony of the situation was further amplified by the fact that Shreya Ghoshal won Best Female Playback Singer for the same song that Nigam had expected a nomination for. Meanwhile, Jubin Nautiyal bagged the Best Male Playback Singer award for Dua from Article 370.

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A post shared by Sonu Nigam (@sonunigamofficial)

Following Nigam’s post, several industry figures and fans voiced their support. Composer Amaal Mallik commented, "Such is the world that we live in… Mazaak banake rakh diya hai (It has become a mockery)." Jaan Kumar Sanu, son of veteran singer Kumar Sanu, also backed Nigam, stating, "Dada, you are above these awards, to be honest. We all love you."

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Fans echoed similar sentiments, with one user writing, "Fake awards go to autotune. You are above awards." Another added, "You’re an award to them and to us… that we can hear you! Only a few truly value the gift we get from God. Likewise, we got you from Him! You’re an award yourself, sir."

This isn’t the first time Sonu Nigam has openly expressed his views on the music industry and award functions. Last December, during the Rising Rajasthan event, he called out politicians, including Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, for leaving midway through his performance. Voicing his displeasure on social media, Sonu emphasised that such behaviour was disrespectful to artists and undermined the value of the arts.