On the eve of Republic Day, the Central ministry announced the Padma Awards 2025, conferring the highest civilian honors to 139 people, including seven Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri. Now one of the most popular and famous singers Sonu Nigam told how some legends of the music industry have not received this honor yet. Hours after the announcement of the Padma Awards 2025, he posted a video on his social media handle. 

Sonu Nigam

Let us tell you that Sharda Sinha, popularly known as Swar Kokila of Bihar, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, while Arijit Singh was awarded the Padma Shri. Sonu shared a video on his Instagram handle and wrote, “India and its Padma awardees.” He further added, “Two singers have inspired the whole world. One of them was limited to just the Padma Shri award, Mohammed Rafi Sahab, and the other who did not even get a Padma Shri, Kishore Kumar ji.”

Sonu Nigam

The singer further said, “Nowadays awards are being given posthumously, but even among the living people, there are celebrities like Alka Yagnik, who have had such a long and phenomenal career, yet they did not get the same respect. Shreya Ghoshal, who has been making her art recognized for such a long time, also deserves respect. Sunidhi Chauhan, who has inspired an entire generation with her unique voice, has also not got anything yet.”

Sonu Nigam

Let us tell you that also known as the highest civilian honor, these awards are given in three categories, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. The Padma Awards are conferred on the recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, which is constituted by the Prime Minister every year. The Padma Awards Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and four to six eminent persons as members. The recommendations of the committee are sent to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval.