Sonu Nigam is beaming when we meet him at his farmhouse in Karjat (Maharashtra). Reason: this year has been exceptionally fruitful for the singer. As we stroll down the garden, he looks back at the year: “Turning 50 was the highlight of 2023 for me. I really enjoyed entering my 50th year. I was 18 when I entered the industry, so technically, I’ve grown up here. To be around the people of my fraternity as I entered such an important phase of my life felt gratifying.”

Looking back at the kind of work he did in the “incredible” 2023, Nigam says, “I always perform at a lot of concerts. But I am particularly thrilled about the kind of film and non-film songs I did in 2023. From Papa Meri Jaan from Animal, Itni Si Baat from Sam Bahadur, Nikle The Kabhi Hum Ghar Se from Dunki, Ro Lain De from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani and Tu Hai Sheetal Dhaara from Adipurush to Bandeya from the OTT release Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai — I got to sing some amazing songs. Also, my single Afra Tafri for Bhoomi 2023 with (composer duo) Salim-Sulaiman did well. I was seen dancing in the music video after years, celebrating my hometown, Delhi.”

In the industry, lack of visibility is often equated with scarcity of work. Though he had back-to-back releases this year, Nigam says he isn’t running after movie songs. “I have sung a lot in my career. I voluntarily decided to record less for films since 2006. Today, everyone knows who’s busy and who’s not, thanks to social media. I turn down offers every now and then,” says the Padma Shri recipient.

He adds, “I wish to go a little exclusive now in terms of the kind of work I do. Now, I only do songs that are worthy of my name and time. I’m glad that quality work has been released this year. Today, the game has changed due to platforms like Spotify. As an artiste, you need to make sure that your work is of a certain level. You cannot settle for mediocrity, as all the streaming platforms are artiste-driven.”

Though the singer is 50, his voice continues to be on point: “People are also appreciating how I sound now, because usually logon ki awaaz age ke saath depreciate hoti hai. Mujhe lagta hai meri awaz better hui hai. Recently, I had a really bad throat before a concert in Mumbai. But pata nahin show se theek 30 minute pehle maine kya riyaaz kiya that I rocked the show. I’ve realised that I’ve become a much better singer than what I used to be.”