Celebrated Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam, renowned for his timeless hits like “Kal Ho Naa Ho” and “Sandese Aate Hai,” has shared a profound story about the origins of his illustrious career. In a recent interview, he revealed that his journey to becoming a household name in India began with his cover of “Acha Sila Dia Tu Ne Mere Pyar Ka,” a iconic song by Pakistani legendary singer Atta Ullah Essa Khelvi.
Nigam emotionally recounted a defining moment from his youth when, at just nineteen years old, he received an unexpected phone call from Atta Ullah himself. The renowned Pakistani singer praised Nigam’s cover, saying, “Mr. Sonu, I am Atta Ullah Essa Khelvi from Pakistan, and I want to tell you that you sang it really well.” Nigam described this act of reaching out as an incredible kindness that left a lasting impression.
Expressing his deep gratitude, Nigam credited Atta Ullah and other legendary singers for his success. He stated, “I credit all my success to them, and ‘Acha Sila’ was the turning point of my career, a song that was heard by every person in India.” He referred to Atta Ullah as a “beautiful soul” who holds great importance in his life.
This heartfelt acknowledgment highlights how artistic inspiration and mentorship can transcend national boundaries. Nigam’s story is a powerful testament to the deep, often unspoken, connections that bind the musical traditions of India and Pakistan, proving that art and humanity can build bridges where politics often fails.
