Cinema VinesOn Sunday, legendary playback singer Sonu Nigam surprised fans by posting a video of himself singing Mohammed Rafi’s classic “Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki (Dulari)” while lying on an operating table. The clip, taken during a routine surgical procedure, quickly went viral as viewers wondered what had prompted the unusual moment.
According to Nigam, the operation was not a major one but a necessary intervention for a recurring growth on his left ring finger. He explained that the growth had resurfaced after a previous surgery four months earlier, likely linked to an underlying arthritis condition in his bones. “It’s been happening for some time. I had a surgery four months back to remove it, but it has come back again. I think it’s got to do with some arthritis condition that I have in my bones, probably,” the 53‑year‑old singer told reporters.
The unexpected performance began when Dr. Nilesh Sathbhai, the surgeon, was playing Nigam’s own recordings from the “Rafi Resurrected” album—an orchestral tribute to Rafi that the singer had recorded with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. As the music played, a few tracks lost their vocal tracks, prompting Nigam to start singing aloud. “Singing in the OT just happened organically. Dr Nilesh Sathbhai is an admirer of mine and he was playing my songs during the surgery,” he said.
What started as a spontaneous moment turned into an endearing memory for the entire operating room. Nigam sang two or three songs for the doctors, who reportedly enjoyed the performance and even recorded the session. “They really enjoyed it. And they actually said that this has never happened, that a patient is singing for the doctors while they do surgery,” he recalled. The doctors later sent the recording to Nigam, prompting him to share it with his followers.
Despite the health setback, the singer remains upbeat and has no intention of slowing down. “I’m not on a break at all. In fact, somebody has organised a birthday party for me. And, of course, I was singing yesterday also. After the surgery, day before yesterday, I went for the launch of my song Chunni. So yes, I’ve been on the move right now, even after the surgery,” he added, underscoring his resilience and dedication to his craft.
