10 Sonu Nigam indie pop songs from the 90s you simply cannot forget!

As Sonu Nigam turns 52 today, we take a moment to look back and revisit some of his classics from the 90s that should definitely be on your playlist! 

A large part of an artist’s success depends on their ability to resonate with generations. and if there's one artist from recent years who has stood the test of time, it's Sonu Nigam. Be it any genre or language, the singer has left no stone unturned to weave magic through his vocals and give his audience countless melodies to melt for! Right from his early days as the 'Modern Rafi' to becoming a maestro who effortlessly explores classical, pop, and playback genres in over 32 languages, Nigam's discography is nothing short of a masterclass on range and versatility.

I feel nothing touches our lives like art does, and music in particular serves as our constant companion during our joys, sorrows, and everything in between. As a 90s and 2000s kid, Nigam’s soundtracks have been that companion for my generation and accompanied us through various phases of our lives. 

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So, on his birthday today, let's revisit some of his classics from the 90s that transport us to simpler times!

Ab Mujhe Raat Din

Ab Mujhe Raat Din is a romantic ballad that beautifully captures the essence of unrequited love and longing. The simple melody and Nigam’s ability to inject profound feelings through his vocals made this one an anthem for those experiencing complications in matters of the heart!

Deewana Tera

This one is another romantic track brimming with youthful joy and excitement of experiencing love and infatuation for the first time in your life! Its catchy lyrics, energetic rhythm coupled with Nigam’s powerful vocals, make it a must-play while going on a long drive with your loved ones. Not to forget, the iconic music video starring a drop-dead gorgeous Bipasha Basu added to the charm around the track! Deewana Tera, is definitely one of the most memorable songs that intensified the Indian pop wave of the late 90s.

Kaun Hai Woh Ladki

A playful yet classy track portraying the protagonist’s curiosity for a woman, whose beauty he finds captivated by, Kaun Hai Woh Ladki features Nigam's vocals expressing the charm and delightful curiosity one experiences while being awestruck by someone's beauty. It's light-hearted and the way it captures the initial feelings of infatuation is a delight to listen to!

Is Kadar

Is Kadar is a soulful and dreamy declaration of love and devotion for someone you deeply admire. Nigam’s smooth vocals here skillfully complement the sincerity and heartfelt emotions of the lyrics, making it one of the most endearing love songs! PS: A young Milind Soman is a treat to watch in the video! 

Dil Se Dil Tak

As the title suggests, the track embodies the connection between two hearts and the beginning of emotional intimacy in a relationship. Nigam’s tender notes here, accompanied by some simple yet relatable lyrics registered the tracks among the top romantic numbers of the era, perfect to listen to on slow evenings while you're sipping your coffee and contemplating life.

Jaane Kyon Mein Tujhko

A poignant and reflective melody about loss in love, Jaane Kyon Mein Tujhko captures the bittersweet pain of remembering someone who is gone. Nigam’s rendition delivers the pain and sadness of a man regretting the turn of events and his inability to move on, something a lot of hopeless romantics resonated with back in the day!

Kya Baat Hai O Jaane Jaan

A quintessential Sonu Nigam romantic number, Kya Baat Hai is an upbeat, flirtatious, and compliments-laden track celebrating a beloved's charm. Nigam's lively and playful delivery transforms this track into a feel-good pop song that you can often revisit to uplift your spirits or go to when you need a little bit of cheering.

Deewane Hoke Hum

Another song exploring the feelings of being completely lost in love and embracing the madness and passion of it, Deewane Hoke Hum features a soaring, romantic melody in which emotions find expression in Nigam’s powerful voice. This song captures the thrilling and overwhelming experience of falling for someone deeply!

Mere Dil Mein Rehne Wali

A typical romantic plea, Mere Dil Mein Rehne Wali is a melodious expression of the feelings of gentle longing after separation and the idea of a beloved constantly residing in one’s thoughts and emotions. The soft and warmer textures of Nigam’s voice are on full display in this track that must find a place in the playlist you curate for your long-distance bae.

Tu

Another representation of the youthful and slightly impatient spirit of love and early infatuation, Tu makes use of the vibrancy in Nigam’s vocal cords with its catchy and upbeat rhythm that perfectly embodies the giddy and all-consuming feeling of being head over heels in love with someone.  

Here's to celebrating a living legend who continues to enrich our lives with his timeless melodies and artistic brilliance, Happy Birthday Mr. Nigam!