MUMBAI: One of India's favourite singers, Sonu Nigam has collaborated and sung with many musicians but a few have held a special place in his heart.

His recent collaboration with India's first transgender band, the 6 Pack band, with whom he recorded 'Rab De Bande' has made a special place in the singer's heart.

Nigam was chuffed when he received a call recently from composer/director Shamir Tandon who informed the veteran singer about the 6 Pack Band's victory in Coveted Cannes Grand Prix Glass lion award at the Cannes Lions Festival.

Also Read: 6 Pack Band wins prestigious international honour at Cannes Lions '16

A source close to the singer says that the collaboration is one of its kind and an iconic one, "Sonu is very happy that the 6 pack band is now getting world recognition. He has always been keen on doing something for the transgender community and even wanted to start a small scale industry some years ago in order to increase employment opportunities for them. 'Rab de Bande' was an opportunity Sonu couldn't refuse and he's extremely happy that the band has won the Cannes Grand Prix Glass lion award."

Sonu also lauded the efforts of all those who made 6 pack band possible by saying that it needs a lot of courage and conviction to execute something path breaking, "It is really commendable and heartening to see that the band is doing so well at these prestigious award functions. My heartiest congratulations to the entire team that made this happen." Quiz him about another collaboration, "I would love to" he smiles and signs off.