Sonu Nigam has opened up about one of the biggest sacrifices he made in his youth to pursue a successful music career. Reflecting on his early years, the acclaimed singer revealed that despite wanting to experience college life, relationships and romance like any other teenager, he chose discipline and hard work after listening to his father’s advice, a decision he believes laid the foundation for his decades-long success in the music industry.
Sonu Nigam reveals why he chose career over college
Speaking on Komal Nahta’s podcast ‘Game Changers: The Music Series’, Sonu Nigam recalled his father and admitted he had the same desires as any young person, including wanting relationships and a carefree lifestyle, but chose discipline instead. He said, “My father used to say, ‘You have two choices, either enjoy yourself now and struggle later, or struggle now and enjoy life later.’ He used to say that all the time, and I listened to him. So, I chose to struggle then, and today I’m living a comfortable life. I worked hard after the age of 18 instead of going to college and hanging out with girls. I really wanted to; I was a romantic guy. I wanted to have girlfriends; I wanted to have affairs. But then I thought, ‘My father is saying this for a reason. Let’s not waste time. Let’s work hard.'”Nigam added that timing played a key role in his journey, as he entered the industry just as television was expanding, allowing him to seize opportunities at the right moment.
Sonu Nigam’s early struggle
Sonu Nigam recalled how his early entry into entertainment placed him at the centre of a changing phase in Indian music and television. By the age of 21, he was hosting ‘Sa Re Ga Ma’, a milestone that became a major turning point in his career. The singer credited his parents, teachers, and supporters for guiding him through his journey, noting that every decision eventually worked in his favour. Over the years, Sonu Nigam has become one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, admired for his versatility across genres and languages.
Sonu Nigam talks about the career he built on discipline
Sonu Nigam’s candid reflection gave fans insight into the discipline behind his decades-long success, showing how his early choices shaped a career that continues to inspire generations. Meanwhile, he recently made headlines for a separate controversy involving his response to questions on student protests.
