In a recent statement, Sonu Nigam has voiced his support for Javed Akhtar's stance on the trend of song remakes in the Bollywood music industry. The singer acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the issue, particularly concerning the potential impact on the original creators and the legacy of iconic songs.

Nigam, known for his versatile vocal talent and contributions to numerous original songs, shared his perspective, emphasizing the importance of preserving the essence and emotions embedded within classic compositions. He stated that while he understands the industry's inclination towards reinvention and reaching new audiences through remakes, it's crucial to approach the process with respect and consideration for the original work.

Drawing an analogy to the patriotic song "Sandese Aate Hain" from the movie "Border," Nigam explained that certain songs are intrinsically linked to specific moments, emotions, and cultural contexts. He suggested that remaking such songs could risk diluting their impact and undermining their significance. He stated that "Sandese Aate Hain is Border's uniform," implying the song is inseparable from the film's identity.

Javed Akhtar, a celebrated lyricist and poet, has been a vocal critic of the overuse and often uninspired nature of song remakes. He has consistently advocated for originality and creativity within the music industry, expressing concerns that the trend of remakes stifles innovation and diminishes the value of original compositions.

Nigam's support for Akhtar's views highlights a growing sentiment within the music community regarding the need for a more balanced approach to remakes. While he acknowledged that some remakes can be successful in introducing classic songs to a new generation, he cautioned against the indiscriminate rehashing of iconic tracks solely for commercial gain.

The debate surrounding song remakes continues to be a prominent topic within the Indian music industry, with artists, composers, and listeners expressing diverse opinions. Nigam's intervention adds a significant voice to the discussion, underscoring the importance of preserving the artistic integrity and cultural significance of original songs while exploring avenues for creative reinvention.

Recently, on January 18, 2026, Nigam sang "Happy Birthday" for Akhtar at the launch of Goongoonalo, an artist-led platform with 100 original songs. The platform aims to foster collaboration and shared ownership among artists, marking a shift towards valuing original creations. In 2015, Nigam also gave an emotional tribute to Akhtar at the 7th Royal Stag Mirchi Music Awards.