Mumbai, August 26, 2025: Celebrated Indian playback singer Sonu Nigam has credited legendary Pakistani folk and ghazal singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi for shaping his early career, saying he remains “indebted” to him.
In a recent interview, Nigam recalled how covering Esakhelvi’s iconic track “Acha Sila Diya Tune Mere Pyar Ka” became the turning point of his career.
“Definitely, he is a beautiful soul and holds great importance in my life. I had just started my career covering his songs. He called me and said, ‘Mr. Sonu, I am Attaullah Esakhelvi from Pakistan, and I want to tell you that you sang it really well,’” Nigam recounted.
Celebrated Indian singer said he was only 19 years old at the time and deeply moved by Esakhelvi’s graciousness.
“It was very kind of him. I pray for all those legendary singers who contributed to my success. I am indebted to him. I credit all my success to him, and Acha Sila was the song that introduced me to every household in India,” Nigam added.
Often described as the Mohammed Rafi of the modern era, Sonu Nigam has built one of the most celebrated careers in Bollywood playback singing, with timeless hits such as Kal Ho Naa Ho, Sandese Aate Hain, Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin, Suraj Hua Maddham and Main Agar Kahoon.
Esakhelvi, revered across South Asia for his soulful voice and folk heritage, continues to inspire generations of singers, with Nigam being one of the most prominent artists to acknowledge his influence.
