Sonu Nigam turned 52 on July 30, a good time to pick 10 lovely songs from a truly vast collection.
Sandese Aate Hain from Border (1997)
One of the longest Hindi songs, at almost 10 minutes, Sonu's ode to jawans makes this a national favourite.
Roop Kumar Rathod also sings this Anu Malik composition.
Panchi Nadiya Pawan Ke from Refugee (2000)
A R Rahman's folk-classical blend of tunes is enhanced by Sonu's voice.
Tanhayee from Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
Sonu's powerful crescendos gives us a perfect heartbreak song. Composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
Suraj Hua Maddham from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001)
A staple on romantic playlists, Sonu sings this with Alka Yagnik, composed by Sandesh Shandilya.
Saathiya from Saathiya (2002)
Sonu adapts to A R Rahman's layered composition and won an IIFA for it.
Kal Ho Naa Ho from Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Sonu won the National Award for singing this timeless Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy composition.
Do Pal from Veer-Zaara (2004)
The classic orchestration and Sonu's old-school singing style make it ideal for this retro film.
Sonu sings this with Lata Mangeshkar, to Madan Mohan's tunes.
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna from Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)
Sonu's melancholic notes enhances Karan Johar's storytelling, set to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy's music.
Main Agar Kahoon from Om Shanti Om (2007)
Sonu gives this song the retro quality it needs for Farah Khan's old Bollywood-style movie. Composed by Vishal-Shekhar.
Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin from Agneepath (2012)
Sonu's restrained delivery made this a critical and commercial favourite. Composed by Ajay-Atul.