Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam has said that his early recognition came from Pakistani legendary singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi and his famous song Accha Sila Diya.
In a podcast with journalist Faridoon Shehryar, Sonu Nigam explained that his career started with Esakhelvi’s song, which became a turning point for him. He said, “I am thankful to everyone who contributed to my journey, but I owe special gratitude to Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi whose songs gave me identity.”
Sonu Nigam Career and Link with Pakistani Songs
Nigam shared that at the age of 19, he first performed Accha Sila Diya, a song originally sung by Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi, which played a major role in his career growth. According to him, this song not only introduced him to a wider audience in India but also built his long-standing connection with Pakistani music.
Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi and Sonu Nigam First Conversation
Recalling his first conversation with Esakhelvi, Sonu Nigam said that the Pakistani singer personally called him and appreciated his version of Accha Sila Diya. Nigam quoted Esakhelvi as saying, “Mr. Sonu, I am Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi from Pakistan and I want to tell you that you have sung it very well.”
The impact of Pakistani music on Bollywood has been debated since many years and the mentioning of Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi by Sonu Nigam makes heads turn and think of the influence of inter-country music. Nigam said that he prays to all those legendary singers who helped him become what he is because he considers Accha Sila Diya as a landmark in his career.
