Entertainment

Why Kishore Kumar, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghosal yet to receive Padma Awards: Sonu Nigam

His recent Instagram video directly challenges the 2025 Padma Awards jury, questioning their criteria and highlighting the glaring absence of legendary figures like Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar.

Published

2 years ago

January 28, 2025

[email protected]

Sonu Nigam, a recipient of the Padma Shri award, has publicly voiced his disappointment with the selection process for the prestigious Padma Awards, specifically criticizing the omission of several highly acclaimed singers like Kishore Kumar, Alka Yagnik and Shreya Ghosal among others.

His recent Instagram video directly challenges the 2025 Padma Awards jury, questioning their criteria and highlighting the glaring absence of legendary figures like Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar.

While the awards ceremony, held on Republic Day, saw 139 individuals honoured—including seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients—Nigam argues that the selection process overlooks significant contributions from the Indian music industry.

The video’s central argument revolves around the perceived injustice towards iconic singers. Nigam points out the incongruity of posthumously awarding the Padma Vibhushan to Sharda Sinha while neglecting living legends. He specifically laments that Mohammed Rafi, a towering figure in Indian music, received only the Padma Shri, a lower award, and that Kishore Kumar, another titan, received no Padma award at all. This, he suggests, is a profound oversight considering their immeasurable impact on Indian and global music.

Nigam extends his critique to include contemporary singers, highlighting the significant careers of Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, and Sunidhi Chauhan. He argues that these artists, each with a lengthy career marked by both critical and popular success, have earned national recognition through their immense talent and contribution to Indian music. Their omission, he suggests, casts doubt on the fairness and comprehensiveness of the selection process. He emphasizes their lasting influence, noting how they have inspired generations of singers.

The video concludes with an appeal to his followers, urging them to identify other deserving artists who have yet to receive Padma awards. The accompanying caption reads, “India and its pending Padma Awardees,” a statement reflecting a widespread sentiment among many who feel the awards don’t always reflect the true breadth of talent in India. The response to Nigam’s post has been significant, with comments echoing his sentiments. Shraddha Pandit, for instance, commented “Gospel truth spoken,” indicating a shared feeling of disappointment and injustice.

Nigam’s own experience adds weight to his argument. Despite receiving the Padma Shri in 2022, he expressed dissatisfaction at the time, feeling the award was bestowed too late in his illustrious career. This personal experience underscores his critique, lending authenticity to his concerns about the timing and selection process of the Padma Awards.

His vast repertoire—over 10,000 songs in various Indian languages—further emphasizes his own position as a significant contributor to Indian music and his understanding of the landscape. The controversy ignited by Nigam’s video serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding the Padma Awards and the ongoing search for a more comprehensive and equitable system of recognizing national contributions.

Entertainment

CID creator BP Singh dies of heart attack, film industry pays tribute

B.P. Singh, the creator and producer-director of CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His contribution to Indian television has prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry.

Published

7 days ago

October 27, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran television producer-director B.P. Singh, best known for creating the popular crime investigation series CID, has died after suffering a heart attack. His death on Tuesday, October 27, prompted tributes from colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, who remembered his contribution to Indian television.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit shared the news of Singh’s death in a social media post, remembering him as an accomplished filmmaker whose work had captivated audiences through shows such as CID and Aahat.

Pandit also recalled his association with Singh during the latter’s tenure as president of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association. Expressing grief over the loss, he described Singh as a close friend and a person whose work would continue to inspire future generations.

The last rites are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 28, according to Pandit’s post.

BP Singh’s contribution to Indian television

Born Brijendra Pal Singh, B.P. Singh established himself as a prominent figure in Indian television through his work as a producer and director. He created CID, one of the country’s longest-running crime investigation shows, which premiered in 1998 and followed a team of Mumbai crime branch officers investigating cases.

The series became widely recognised among television audiences and ran for around two decades. Singh also occasionally appeared on the show as DCP Shamsher Singh Chitrole.

One of the show’s notable milestones came in October 2004, when a special episode was filmed in a single continuous take lasting 111 minutes. The achievement received recognition in the Limca Book of Records and the Guinness World Records.

Singh’s work was not limited to crime dramas. He was also associated with Aahat, a popular horror television series that aired from 1995 to 2015. His other projects included Khaaki, Abhay and SuperCops Vs Super Villains.

Ashoke Pandit remembers the veteran filmmaker

In his tribute, Pandit recalled Singh’s professional achievements and their personal association. He praised the filmmaker’s work on CID and Aahat and expressed condolences to his family and loved ones.

Singh’s death marks the loss of a veteran television professional whose productions helped shape crime and horror programming in India.

His work on CID and Aahat remains a significant part of his legacy in Indian television.

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

Published

1 month ago

September 24, 2026

APNLive Desk

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

Entertainment

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

Published

1 month ago

September 20, 2026

APNLive Desk

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.