Sonu Nigam on how live performance platforms like MTV Unplugged test the grit of singers in an industry driven by commercial benefits
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; January 28, 2019)

Gathered under one roof to mark the launch of the eighth edition of a music show, the A-team of Bollywood’s music industry has a spring in their step. Disconnected from commercial commitments that usually attach themselves to industry projects, they’re here to present a sneak preview of work that they’re proud of. Having long been the voice of the industry’s chocolate-boy actors, Sonu Nigam will present an array of ghazals in his upcoming episode of MTV Unplugged. “I follow ghazal icons like Hariharan, Pankaj Udhas, Anup Jalota, Jagjit Singh and Talat Aziz, among others. I’ve incorporated some of their ghazals [in my act]. We chose five [numbers]. The new generation will get a dose of ghazals, but we’ve kept today’s tastes in mind. So, unless you have a platform like this one, it’s unlikely to be exposed to it. How much of Punjabi, rap or daaru-vodka will you hear?,” says Nigam, who will also sing his latest single, Aye Zindagi, on the show.

One to often reiterate the importance of accepting changing industry trends, Nigam admires the fact that aspiring singers have the freedom to create their own genres, and release their own numbers, an opportunity that he didn’t enjoy decades ago. “When I came into the industry, I could only sing filmi music, one that the composers made. But today, singers can create genres. So, they’re unstoppable. There’s scope for a lot of original material. But, they have to [suffer due to] the business module that’s prevalent today.”

That young artistes must attach themselves with one music label, he says, is restrictive, given that another company is then unwilling to engage with them. “I am not the product of one music label. But, they, unfortunately, have to take sides.”

Having collaborated with umpteen artistes from the younger crop, Nigam makes his excitement palpable when he says, “Can you imagine that I sang with [Kumar] Sanu ji [years ago], and have now worked alongside his kids? If you keep your heart and soul open, a guru can be found in the younger crop too.”

As for an artiste from the younger crop, rap guru Guru Randhawa, who opened the edition yesterday, put up an act that was at stark contrast to his usual renditions. Complete with flutes and harmoniums, he revisited celebrated tracks like Patola to lend them an acoustic vibe. “It’s beautiful to explore new sounds, yet, it’s challenging because we are recreating numbers that already have a great appeal. Fortunately, people have enjoyed the versions we’ve played on this platform in the past,” says Randhawa, who also released his original, Sajjan Rus Jave, that he had composed in 2017, yesterday.

Randhawa’s 2017 track, Lahore, earned him a position that few Indian artistes have achieved — a place on Youtube’s most viewed songs across the globe. Rightfully then, he has his eyes set on the world’s biggest award show, the Grammys. Certain that his yet-to-be- released track ( Slowly Slowly) with american rapper Pitbull will be an instant charmer, randhawa says he is looking forward to collaborations with international artistes. “There are a few in the pipeline. With these associations, we hope to head to the Grammys and contribute towards India’s growth.”

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 20, 2017)

After, two-time Academy Award-winning singer-composer A R Rahman, filmmaker-writer-composer Vishal Bhardwaj, musician-singer Shankar Mahadevan and rapper Badshah, actor-filmmake-rsinger Farhan Akhtar is set to rock a musical TV show with an hour-long performance. The highlight of the episode is a tribute to the legendary Kishore Kumar. There will also be an acoustic special, with Farhan singing renditions of his own songs - “Atrangi Yaari” from Wazir, “Ahista Ahista” from Shaadi Ke Side Effects, “Hawan Kund” from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, “Manzar Naya “ from Rock On 2 and “Galla Goodiyan” from Dil Dhadakne Do - while playing his guitar.

Speaking to Mirror, Farhan recalls how his school almost shared a wall with Kishore Kumar’s Juhu home. “We were told that Kishore da lives right behind that wall and we always wondered if we could climb over it and into his house. I waited to catch a glimpse of him leaving or entering his house but even though that never happened, the musical genius wielded a huge influence on my life since the time I was in school,” says the 43-year-old singer-producer.

The MTV Unplugged episode will feature an acoustic version of “Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si” from Satyen Bose’s 1958 comedy, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, featuring Madhubala and the three Ganguly brothers, Ashok Kumar, Anup Kumar and Kishore Kumar. “Kishore da was such a multi-talented, multi-faceted man; a great singer and comedian. He left behind a crazy legacy, there has never been anyone before or after his time. His voice was the defining voice of the Indian male hero — with panache, the right emotions and immense depth,” raves Farhan who will be recording his tracks ‘live’, with his nine-member band this week.

This will be the first time the actor is performing on a platform that will “strip him bare”. “Music has always been the universal language that brings people together but here an artiste performs in a bare-it-all, acoustic version of the greatest hits ever. I’m really looking forward to this one,” he signs off.

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 15, 2017)

After collaborating in films, Vishal and Rekha Bhardwaj are coming together to perform on the small screen. The filmmaker-composer and his singer wife will be belting out hit numbers from VB’s filmography, including “Chappa Chappa”, “Chhod Aaye Hum” and “Pani Pani” from Maachis, “Pehli Baar Mohabbat” from Kaminey, “Dil Toh Bachcha Hai Ji” from Ishqiya and “Naina” from Omkara, among others, for MTV Unplugged.

“The songs I have chosen are some of my best compositions. Some of them are 23 years old but feel timeless and relevant. I sing all my songs for referential purposes before they are recorded by other artistes. Many times, I have been asked to share my version of the songs. I feel close to them and love to sing them,” Vishal told Mirror.

About his collaborations with Rekha, who has delivered some of the most memorably tracks in his films in her lilting voice, VB said, “I have only performed a few times on stage, primarily college competitions. I remember once, Rekha and I had gone to the Parliament when the Copyright Law was passed along with other composers, singers and authors. We performed 'Chhod do Aanchal' for the nostalgia element.”

Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; January 19, 2017)

On her first ever appearance on MTV Unplugged, singer Shreya Ghoshal is set to pay a tribute to her idol, Lata Mangeshkar. The 32-year-old singer, who will feature on the sixth season of the musical series, is set to croon six tracks on the show, one among which will be singing legend’s iconic ghazal, Rasm-E-Ulfat Ko Nibhayein, which was composed by Madam Mohan.

Shreya tells hitlist, “Ever since I began my journey in music, Lataji has been one of my biggest inspirations. I am honoured to be given this opportunity. It’s a beautiful song. The soulful lyrics have been penned by Naqsh Lyallpur ji. I will perform an unplugged version.”