Sonu Nigam Says Ambition Kept Him Focused Despite Wanting Romance in His Youth

Mumbai, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Playback singer Sonu Nigam has revealed that although he was a romantic person in his younger days and wanted to experience relationships, his ambition and his father’s advice pushed him to focus on building his career.

The celebrated singer, known for his versatile voice and decades-long contribution to Indian music across multiple languages and genres, shared the insight during his appearance on trade expert Komal Nahta’s podcast Game Changers: The Music Series.

Recalling his father’s advice, Sonu said he was encouraged to choose between enjoying life early and facing struggles later, or working hard in his youth and enjoying a more comfortable life afterwards.

“My father used to say, ‘You have two choices, either enjoy yourself now and struggle later, or struggle now and enjoy life later’. He used to say that all the time, and I listened to him. So, I chose to struggle then, and today I’m living a comfortable life,” Sonu said.

The singer recalled that after completing Class 12, he moved to Mumbai at the age of 18 instead of pursuing college life.

“I worked hard after the age of 18 instead of going to college and hanging out with girls. I really wanted to, I was a romantic guy. I wanted to have girlfriends, I wanted to have affairs. But then I thought, ‘My father is saying this for a reason. Let’s not waste time. Let’s work hard’,” he said.

Sonu added that his decision to move to Mumbai at the right time played a crucial role in shaping his career. He said he may not have received opportunities until a later stage had he delayed the move.

“By the age of 21, I was doing ‘Sa Re Ga Ma’. I came at the right time, and the right things happened. I also witnessed the beginning of television and caught that wave,” he said.

The singer further said that arriving early in the industry gave him an advantage and helped him become one of the pioneers of his generation.

“If I had come later, I would have been second or third in line. I was a pioneer, an early bird. So, everything worked out beautifully, and I have every reason to thank God and all the people around me, my father, my parents, and my teachers,” Sonu said.