Sonu Nigam Pays Tribute to Mohammed Rafi with Timeless Classics and His Own Hits

At his concert on Saturday night, Sonu Nigam paid tribute to the legendary Mohammed Rafi through a setlist that moved between timeless classics and some of his own biggest hits. The audience reflected that blend too; older fans who grew up listening to Rafi saab, millennials raised on Sonu Nigam's 2000s era songs, and Gen Z attendees loudly singing along to both.

Speaking about Rafi saab during the concert, Nigam told the audience, "Wo mere pir hai, mere guru hai. He is my God. And whoever loves music, loves Mohammed Rafi saab."

Old songs, louder crowds

Fans cheer as Sonu Nigam performs Bijuriya at his Pune concert. Picture credits: Jignesh Mistry. The evening moved fluidly from Maine Pucha Chaand Se and Yeh Chand Sa Roshan Chehra to songs like Saathiya, Deewana Tera and Suraj Hua Maddham. But it was during the more energetic portions of the set that the crowd truly came alive.

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When Nigam began Oh Haseena Zulfonwali, the concert briefly stopped feeling like a performance and turned into a giant singalong. He repeatedly pointed the microphone towards the audience, letting entire sections take over verses on their own as cheers and whistles erupted across the venue.

That energy only intensified during Bijuriya, with people dancing in the aisles, hooting after every hook and loudly singing along with him. Even those seated towards the back were visibly on their feet for parts of the song.

"It's like a mixing of two generations for me," said attendee Ketaki Oak. "Sonu Nigam's soothing tonal quality goes so well with Mohammad Rafi's songs. I am in awe."

IT professional Manoj Khenani, who attended the concert with friends, said, "I think the songs coming out today don't stand a chance in front of Rafi saab's music. I think Gen Z should also get into this music."

A family moment on stage

Agam Kumar Nigam joins son Sonu Nigam on stage during the Pune concert. Picture credits: Jignesh Mistry. One of the highlights of the concert was when Nigam's father, Agam Kumar Nigam, joined him on stage for a few songs including Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe and Chaudhavi Ka Chand.

"My father is the light that guided me to reach Rafi saab. And I will forever be grateful to him for that," Sonu Nigam said while introducing him. Soon after, the father-son duo performed Kya Hua Tera Wada, turning the venue into another full-fledged singalong.

"This is the second time I am watching him live and somehow he still manages to surprise me," said Meghana Joshi. "He gives his 100% every single time, but my favourite part was how involved the audience became. Everybody was singing with him, especially during Oh Haseena Zulfonwali. And honestly, Dard-E-Dil was magical live."