Srinagar, October 26, 2025- In a momentous cultural milestone for the Kashmir Valley, Bollywood playback sensation Sonu Nigam is set to deliver an unforgettable performance tonight at the iconic Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), nestled along the tranquil shores of Dal Lake in Srinagar. This live concert, curated by NDTV Good Times, marks the region’s first-ever large-scale musical extravaganza, promising to echo with timeless melodies against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas and the shimmering waters of Dal Lake.The event, aptly titled Sonu Nigam Live On Dal Lake, is more than just a performance—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer Mohammed Rafi on the centenary of his birth. Nigam, a devoted admirer of Rafi, whom he reveres as his “peer, guru, and inspiration,” expressed profound gratitude and excitement ahead of the show.
“The whole world knows my connection with my peer, my guru, my inspiration, but celebrating his legacy at Dal Lake in Kashmir, celebrating the zest of Kashmir, is going to be really wonderful and special. Looking forward to seeing you all there,” Nigam shared in a statement.Arriving in Srinagar yesterday, the 52-year-old singer was warmly welcomed by locals and stayed at a hotel overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake. This marks Nigam’s debut live concert in the Valley, though he visited Kashmir in July 2024 to engage with local musicians and residents. The Sonu Nigam concert is slated to span approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, featuring a curated setlist of his most beloved Bollywood hits alongside soul-stirring renditions honoring Rafi’s golden era.Adding local flavor to the evening, the lineup includes opening acts by Srinagar’s own musical talents: Qazi Touqeer, the 2005 winner of the reality show Fame Gurukul, and Kashmiri singer-composer Rauhan Malik. Touqeer, reflecting on a serendipitous full-circle moment, recalled Nigam’s words from two decades ago: “Twenty years ago, Sonu Nigam came into the Fame Gurukul academy and said, ‘Imagine Qazi, you are performing in Srinagar in front of 2,000 people’. Today that imagination is set to come to life.” Malik’s performance will infuse the night with authentic Kashmiri rhythms, blending seamlessly with Nigam’s versatile vocals.The concert’s significance extends beyond entertainment, resonating deeply in a region that has seen limited major events since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the initiative as a beacon for revival.
Speaking to NDTV at Raj Bhawan, he praised NDTV Good Times for bringing a star like Nigam to the Valley. “This will revive tourism,” Sinha emphasized, noting that Kashmir has welcomed over 2 crore tourists annually in the past two to three years—a surge that has bolstered the local economy.As anticipation builds, the SKICC concert is expected to draw thousands, transforming the serene venue into a vibrant hub of joy and unity. Tickets, available through platforms like District.in, offer fans a chance to witness this historic fusion of melody and majesty. In Nigam’s words, “Whoever is a witness to tomorrow’s concert, they will remember it for a lifetime.” With the stage set and the sun dipping behind the peaks, Srinagar is poised for a night that will linger in hearts and headlines.
