Sonu Nigam Reveals Past Ban By Major Music Labels

Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam has revealed that he was previously banned by major music labels, including T-Series and Zee Music. The conflict arose when Nigam began advocating for the royalty rights of singers, a move that the labels reportedly resisted. Nigam stated that while doors to film work were closed during this period, he continued to perform on stage and maintain his career independently. He described the situation as a personal choice to stand up for a larger cause, even at the cost of his peak career opportunities.

Nigam framed his struggle as a continuation of the mission started by the legendary Lata Mangeshkar. Mangeshkar had famously fought for singers' royalties decades ago, an effort that remained largely unfinished. Sonu Nigam felt compelled to take up the mantle, believing that if he did not use his stature to fight, no one else would have the courage to do so. He recalled feeling that a higher power had challenged him to take this 'panga' while he was at the height of his success to ensure better terms for future generations.

Despite the historical friction, Nigam confirmed that his current relationships with these labels have become cordial. Today, those same companies pay royalties to artists, marking a significant shift in the industry's operational model. He noted that meetings with label executives are now professional and respectful. The singer emphasized that his activism was never personal but focused on establishing a fair ecosystem for all artists in the Indian music industry. This development highlights a major evolution in how intellectual property is managed in Bollywood.