Sonu Nigam`s reaction to the 2025 Padma Awards has sparked widespread debate online, as he expressed his disappointment over the absence of recognition for music legends like Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar. The celebrated singer also emphasised the significant contributions of contemporary artists such as Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal, and Sunidhi Chauhan, who have yet to receive this prestigious honour. His remarks came in light of Arijit Singh being named a recipient of this year`s Padma Shri.