'Don't call him': Mika Singh slams award show for snubbing Sonu Nigam in favour of Ayushmann Khurrana

Although he has been an active and successful figure in the Indian music industry for more than twenty years, celebrated playback singer Mika Singh has frequently steered clear of attending award shows. Speaking frankly in a recent conversation with YouTuber and host Subhankar Mishra, Mika opened up about his disillusionment with such events and shared a specific incident that left a lasting impact on him.

The episode involved fellow singer Sonu Nigam and actor-singer Ayushmann Khurrana, and Mika suggested that the recognition given that year did not reflect the true merit of the music.

Reflecting on that experience, Mika remarked, “Over the course of my career, I’ve delivered many chart-topping songs, yet I’ve never been acknowledged with a nomination. There’s a reason behind that. Back in 2011, I had conveyed to the organizers that even if my songs became popular, they shouldn’t be submitted for consideration. It’s disheartening to see when a song that didn’t achieve as much popularity ends up being honored, while deserving ones are ignored.”

To illustrate his point, Mika referred to a particular example: “Take Sonu Nigam’s track ‘Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin’ — it was an extraordinary piece. On the other hand, my younger brother Ayushmann Khurrana released ‘Paani Da Rang’ that same year.

In the end, the Filmfare Award was handed to Ayushmann. Now, whether this reflects public opinion or if there’s something underhanded happening — I don’t know. But the truth is, Sonu Nigam was more deserving. Award committees should take into account that while commercial success matters, legendary artists also deserve recognition and reverence. If you can’t offer them that, it’s better not to invite them at all. There’s no dignity in calling someone only to disrespect them.”

Mika’s comments touch upon a broader frustration many artists feel with the way awards are sometimes distributed, not always based on talent or legacy, but seemingly on trends, politics, or popularity metrics.

For context, the 2013 Filmfare Awards saw Sonu Nigam nominated for the emotionally stirring number “Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin” from the film Agneepath. Despite the critical acclaim and mass appreciation it received, the award ultimately went to Ayushmann Khurrana for his heartfelt yet relatively simpler track “Paani Da Rang” from Vicky Donor. Mika’s account sheds light on the emotional toll such oversights can have — not just on the artists affected, but on peers who deeply admire their work and see the value in honoring true artistry.