- August 10, 2026
Sonu Nigam Sings ‘Suhaani Raat’ Mid-Surgery: How Was It Possible & Is It Safe? Explained
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Unlike Sonu Nigam’s case, singing mid-surgery is actually a highly controlled, safe and deliberate technique used in awake brain surgeries
Clips from Sonu Nigam’s viral video. (Instagram)
A video of singer Sonu Nigam, singing Mohammed Rafi’s classic ‘Suhani Raat Dhal Chuki’, on an operating table has gone viral. Is it safe? Is it possible?
The singer has clarified that it was during a safe, routine procedure. He later clarified that he was wide awake under local anaesthesia for a minor surgery to treat a recurring growth on his left ring finger. He sang spontaneously to ease his discomfort and entertain the medical team.
In broader medical science, singing mid-surgery is actually a highly controlled, safe, and deliberate technique used in awake brain surgeries (awake craniotomies).
IS IT SAFE? HOW IS IT DONE?
1. For Minor Surgeries such as Sonu Nigam’s case
In case of local anaesthesia, only the specific body part being operated on is numbed. The patient remains completely conscious, breathes on their own, and can talk or sing normally.
Singing does not interfere with the surgery as long as the patient remains still. In fact, it acts as a powerful psychological tool to reduce anxiety and distract the mind from pain.
2. For Awake Brain Surgeries (Neurological Mapping)
Medical science frequently utilises singing or instrument playing during brain surgeries for specific, life-saving reasons:
When a patient needs a brain tumour or epilepsy lesion removed near areas that control speech, language, or musical ability, surgeons prefer the patient to be awake.
The brain itself has no pain receptors. While the patient is singing, the surgeon uses minor electrical stimulation on the brain. If the patient’s singing suddenly falters or stops, the surgeon instantly knows that specific spot is critical for musical or language function and avoids cutting it.
This active participation significantly minimises the risk of permanent neurological damage or loss of speech after surgery.
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At the news desk for 20 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci…Read More
August 10, 2026, 19:46 IST
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