Showing posts with label Sonu Nigam interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sonu Nigam interview. Show all posts
Cancelling a concert is never an option for me-Sonu Nigam
9:16 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; June 24, 2026)
After battling severe pain for nearly three weeks, singer Sonu Nigam is finally on the road to recovery. Speaking to us exclusively from Delhi, where he sought treatment while attending an award function, the singer opened up about the physical ordeal he endured, the challenge of performing through pain, and the overwhelming love he received from fans after a video of him discussing his condition went viral.
‘I WAS IN A VERY BAD SHAPE FOR THE LAST 20 DAYS’
Sonu revealed that a nerve-related issue left him in constant pain, making even the slightest movement difficult. "I was in a very bad shape for the last 20 days. I think it was probably a wrong workout move or probably sleeping at one position for a long time must have triggered the nerve. And because of that, it was so painful that even if I was doing anything, not even moving my head, I was in constant pain."
While doctors initially prescribed painkillers, Sonu says he knew medication alone wasn't the answer. "Initially, for pain management, I took painkillers as suggested by doctors. But that's not an option. You have to heal from your pain and cannot just rely on painkillers. It's not good for your health."
His turning point came in Delhi, thanks to a filmmaker who connected him to a specialist. "I came to Delhi for an award function and when I realized that I couldn't do anything, Pankaj Parashar, the director of Chaalbaaz, put me onto a very good doctor in Delhi who works with cricketers, actors and politicians. He began working on me immediately. He was with me twice a day, for two and a half hours. He literally made me stand up. So, I finally am in a position that I can come back to Bombay now and start working."
‘NO ONE CAN REPRESENT ME ON STAGE’
Despite the pain, cancelling performances never crossed his mind. "Our work is such that I cannot send my secretary to sing on stage if I’m unwell. Agar koi aur business hota mera toh I would tell them to do the meeting without me, or I’d come on Zoom, ya mera assistant meeting kar lega. But this is a job which has to be done by the artist themselves."
For Sonu, performing is a responsibility that cannot be delegated. "If I have a work commitment, I have to do it. No one else can represent me on stage. As artists, this is our job. And that's why, cancelling a concert is never an option for me. I've never done it. I’ve sung even when I’ve had a bad voice or been unwell."
‘IF YOU’VE PRACTICED ENOUGH, THE SETBACK CAN BE FROM 100 TO 90, NOT FROM 100 TO 50’
The singer admits he was concerned that the medication and muscle relaxants prescribed for pain could affect his voice. "As I said, when we are in this profession, we have to perform on our own. And obviously, medication sometimes slows you down. If you are being given muscle relaxant for the pain, then that muscle relaxant will affect your vocal muscles as well."
Yet decades of training and discipline helped him overcome the setback. "But thankfully, if you have practiced enough in your life, then the setback can be from 100 to 90, not 100 to 50."
To his surprise, his voice held up remarkably well on stage. "So yes, I felt that I might be in pain. But in fact, when I went on the stage, I was singing even better than before. In the last one and a half months, I had not done any concert, I only did Riyaz. So my voice was even better. But yes, I was a little frightened that I might not be able to sing properly, but I sang pretty well."
‘SABSE BADI KAMAI HAI YEH’
What moved Sonu most during this difficult phase was the outpouring of concern from fans after he shared a video about performing despite being in pain. “It makes me so emotional that just a single video of me telling people that I'm having pain before a concert and now I have to perform brought in so much concern."
The singer says the response reminded him of what truly matters. "I was showered with so much love, so much attention, which is very special. It doesn't happen to everyone. And this is what makes me very humble. It makes me very thankful to God."
Calling the affection of his audience his greatest reward, Sonu says, "I feel this is the biggest earning. Sabse badi kamai hai yeh. And it comes from luck. It's not that I'm a very good person and that's why I'm getting it. Just my good luck. that I was just showered with love."
I was crying during the AI-powered live duet with Mohammed Rafi-Sonu Nigam
9:20 AM
Soumitra Das (BOMBAY TIMES; December 14, 2025)
Sonu Nigam, who will be performing in Ahmedabad later this month as part of his ongoing multi-city tour, is eagerly looking forward to the experience. He shares, “I have a very inexplicable connection with Gujarat. Wherever in the world I go, Gujaratis flock to my shows in huge numbers. Some of my closest friends are Gujaratis. Thus, coming to Ahmedabad with a special show like Satrangi Re is a great feeling. It’s like coming back home. I am a big foodie. Gujarati food is delicious, and my favourite is the undhiyu sent to me by Anand Pandit ji every year.”
‘AI gave me the opportunity to sing with my guru’
Recently, his AI-powered live duet with Mohammed Rafi at a concert created a lot of buzz. Talking about it, Sonu says, “The idea came to me when we were working on the show flow for my US tour. I thought I would give myself this opportunity to sing with my guru, and what better song than my own (Kal Ho Naa Ho) for the duet?”
He adds, “I was crying when I sang the part that was meant to be transformed into Rafi sahab’s voice through AI. And can you believe it, I enacted Rafi sahab for the AI to get his mannerisms right.”
‘I have been singing Gujarati songs for a long time’
Sonu, who has performed in numerous cities in Gujarat, tells us, “Over the last three decades, I have made innumerable trips to Gujarat. Gujaratis have literally seen me growing up. In fact, no one expresses their love for me the way Gujaratis do it, and I love it. The men, women physically hug me, hold me as if I’m their own. They feel they kind of own me, and I respect that kind of feeling. Very fortunate are those who are loved like this.”
The versatile singer, who has also sung for Gujarati films (Udi Re from Vickida No Varghodo and Ishq Rang from Romance Complicated, to name a few), adds, “I have been singing Gujarati songs for a very long time now. I love my recent song Misri (title track of Misri). I understand Gujarati quite a lot, so I don’t have any problem singing in the language.”
‘There are excellent, average, and mediocre artistes in all eras’
Asked about the biggest changes he has noticed in the music industry over the years, he says, “The music business changes, of course, but not much changes artistically. There are excellent, average, and mediocre artistes in all eras.”
How can artistes make their songs stand out in an era of reels and viral fame, where ‘views’ matter a lot? “Honestly, I am not an expert on this. I believe in doing my job honestly and leaving the rest to God,” he says. And how has he managed to remain popular with every age group? “Because I am God’s chosen one!” he quips.
He adds, “It’s a very good time for indie music and artistes. The market has opened up due to various music streaming platforms. The concert scenario in India has also improved drastically. It is more organised now. So, international artistes are more comfortable and surer about performing here. They know they will be treated professionally.”
‘Karan Johar and Varun Dhawan reintroduced Bijuria to the world’
His song Bijuria was recreated recently for the film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, and Sonu enjoyed it. He says, “The younger generation wasn’t aware of the glory of Bijuria. Karan Johar and Varun (Dhawan) reintroduced my song to the world. Today, three generations groove to it. The kind of reels and responses I have seen on social media — it’s astonishing.”
‘Kirtidan Gadhvi’s love for me is humbling’
Sonu shares a special bond with Kirtidan Gadhvi, one of Gujarat’s most loved singers. In an interview with us last year, Gadhvi said that they would love to collaborate someday. Sonu says, “Kirtidan Gadhvi’s love for me is humbling. He is a fantastic artiste and an even better man. I love him and his family. We have decided that he will take me to Dwarka and a few other pilgrimage sites in Gujarat when our schedules are a bit relaxed.”
Vishal Dadlani is a malang kind of a person and I love his vibe-Sonu Nigam
8:43 AM
As Sonu Nigam and Vishal Dadlani mark their first non-film collab with the single Jaan Le Gayi, they talk about the experience and what sets the project apart
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 14, 2025)
While they have worked together on several Hindi film songs, musicians Sonu Nigam and Vishal Dadlani marked their debut collab for a single, Jaan Le Gayi, last month. The song, which is part of the album Bhoomi 2024 — a brainchild of composer duo Salim-Sulaiman, has been penned by Shraddha Pandit and has almost two million views on YouTube.
Nigam says working on the song and singing alongside Dadlani was a breeze. “Jaan Le Gayi was the first song that we recorded for the album. But everyone loved it so much that it was decided to end the Bhoomi season with the track. I am a sound person and I get very touched by voices. Vishal ki awaaz mujhe bahut touch karti hai. Despite his rock background, he has a soul for Indian melodies, which is quite rare. I was so happy that we collaborated for our first non-film song. Vishal is a malang kind of a person and I love his vibe,” he says.
For Dadlani, coming on board for the song was a yes at the very outset. “I was on a paragliding trip in France when Salim (Merchant; composer) called me and said he wanted to do this song and that I’d have to sing alongside Sonu Nigam. My brain broke a little, because it’s not easy to sing with Sonu. It was something I had never done before. So, I knew it would be challenging as a singer to even go behind the mic. I don’t consider myself a singer at all, although Sonu and Salim always say kind things about my vocal performances,” he says.
Dadlani adds that shooting the music video was even more fun: “It was a concert-like setting. Both Sonu and I are energetic performers on stage and we are also seen dancing in this one. Projects like these become a way of reinventing yourself, especially when you have people like Salim and Sulaiman at the helm of it. This song has me singing sargams that I am really not fluent in, but these guys encouraged me to do it. I would love to work with Sonu again.”
For Nigam, who is seen pulling off some impressive moves in the music video, shooting the track was a special experience. “The last time I shot at a Bhoomi set was in 2022 for the single Ruk Ja. So, returning to the same space after two years felt great. I love working with Salim-Sulaiman, because I enjoy that space. That’s why the kind of work that we’ve been doing, including the Kannada song Mayavi (it has close to 30 million views on YouTube) from the same album that has received so much love globally, is very divine and genuine,” he ends.
AI is a threat to an average musician, singer-Sonu Nigam
8:32 AM
Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; September 26, 2024)
Sonu Nigam has over 6,000 songs and 47 years of live performances to his credit. With a multi-genre repertoire that includes romantic melodies, dance numbers and soulful tracks, the singer’s range is enviable. His songs include numbers like Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin, Sandese Aate, Kal Ho Na Ho, Suraj Hua Maddham and You Are My Soniya, among others. In a conversation with us, Sonu opens up about the toughest phase of his life, his priorities at 51, the advent of AI and more.
Looking at your career that spans many decades, do you often wonder what’s next?
There was a time about five-six years back when I felt that I’ve probably done and experienced everything – be it success, failure, happiness, ecstasy, depression and spiritual elevation – but then something within me told me never to underestimate the universe. Never think ki ‘ho gaya’. So, I surrendered, now the universe will tell me what’s next. My life is good and smooth. The more I surrender to the universe, the better my life is. The love of my colleagues, my seniors, my contemporaries… it’s so organic, and it’s come from surrendering myself. There has been no manipulation or strategy here.
At this juncture in your life, what would you say are your priorities?
I never got a chance to learn music when I was a kid. I was inspired by my parents, and they told us whom to listen to, but vidhivat training in music is something I didn’t get then. So, what I did not get to learn or enjoy in my childhood, I’m trying to make up for it now. I have just two priorities now – my constant vocal practice and maintaining a reasonable fitness level. I can try to get a six-pack, but I also like to eat (laughs), so I want to strike a balance. I’m fit, and I have good stamina, and that’s what is important. When I’m performing on stage for three-four hours, I need to be physically fit.
There has been a lot of talk about the impact of AI on creative fields such as writing, singing and creating music. Do you look at AI as a threat?
AI is a threat to average writers, singers and musicians who are not passionate. Tell AI to write one song on mohabbat in Javed Akhtar’s style, and it will be done. It is being used to program songs, too. But all this is for mediocre people and AI is a threat for them.
You went through a phase when your songs were dubbed by others and music companies were not ready to work with you. How do you look back at it?
Kai cheezein thi… I wasn’t prepared for any of that. So, I’d be a liar to say that it was all fine. No, I did feel, ‘Yaar, kya ho raha tha, yeh bhi dub kar raha hai, woh bhi dub kar raha hai.’ Nobody wanted to work with me because they knew if I sang their songs, some music companies wouldn’t take them. They wanted to work with me and would say, ‘Sonu bhai, zara samjhauta kar lo.’ But I didn’t. So obviously, those were tough times, but I had faith and did not let the negativity seep in. Today, all the music companies love me, aur hum wapas pyaar se rehtein hain. It was a very difficult phase, but some lessons were meant to be learnt.
On the personal front, you have spoken about dealing with marital issues. How did you sort that out?
When you get married, you think you understand the person, but then, the equation changes. You face ups and downs in your marital life and one is not ready for it. You are never prepared for a difficult marriage. Most people have difficulties in their marriage at some point. I believe familiarity breeds contempt. When you live with a person, you forget who that person is. You start looking at them contemptuously. It starts hunky-dory, but later, the taken-for-granted feeling creeps in. Some people are okay with it, perhaps I’m not. I don’t deny the fact that times have been tough for me, but I have a beautiful son, and he deserves the love of both his parents. So, you come to a mutual understanding after a point. You mature over the years and also start looking at the other person differently and accept each other. My work is such that I travel a lot and that also gives us enough space. It’s good to have space… you don’t get on each other’s nerves (laughs).
Mausam and Deewana nailed my image as a pop star-Sonu Nigam
8:24 AM
As Sonu Nigam’s cult albums turn 25, he shares why they continue to be special and how they helped him evolve
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 2, 2024)
Who can forget the iconic songs Ab Mujhe Raat Din, Deewana Tera or Bijuriya? These cult classics from Deewana and Mausam, rendered by Sonu Nigam, continue to resonate with music lovers even today. As both the albums turned 25 recently, the singer feels “grateful and overwhelmed”.
Sharing how the songs from the two records “are ageing like fine wine”, he says, “Although Kismet (his 1998 album) brought me in the pop scene, dynamically changing my image from a boy-next-door to a singing-dancing pop star, Mausam and Deewana in 1999 just nailed it for me. It’s been 25 years and I don’t remember doing a concert and not performing songs from these albums.”
The tracks in both the albums were quite diverse — from uptempo numbers to soulful, romantic ballads. Sharing how they gave him a chance to showcase his versatility as an artiste, Nigam says, “Back in 1999, I was a restless kid, wanting to experiment, try newer and unattempted genres, showcase my vocal skills, challenge the dancer in me and just have fun. The interesting part was that both the albums released around the same time and had the same artiste, but both went on to become chartbusters, as the genres of songs were poles apart. Mausam had songs ranging from Indian and western classical to ballads, to folk to pop, to dance, etc.”
As he goes on to talk about his favourite numbers from the two albums, the singer says if he were to revisit them now, “everything will change, as that Sonu doesn’t exist today”.
He shares, “I love all the songs. People have their favourites, mainly from Deewana. From Kuchh Tum Socho to Iss Kadar Pyaar Hai, besides the popular ones such as Ab Mujhe Raat Din and Deewana Tera. There was a special song in Mausam called Yesterday Was Tomorrow. It had no words, just sargam in different ragas, composed amazingly by Ravi Pawar. It was really special to me, as I had no formal training in classical music.”
Looking back at learning his signature steps for Bijuriya from late dance legend Saroj Khan, Nigam recalls, “I requested her to choreograph the songs keeping (actor) Govinda in mind. So, Saroj ji said, ‘Chaliye, kamar kas lijiye’. And I slogged to learn the steps, which, till today, are synonymous to me. I feel so grateful to see everyone dance along when I perform the song at my shows.”
Politics is not my forte or my passion-Sonu Nigam
8:12 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; June 7, 2024)
On Wednesday, Sonu Nigam found himself in the midst of a controversy when netizens stared reacting over a tweet made from the handle Sonu Nigam Singh. Soon after the tweet, singer Sonu Nigam was targeted by trollers for his comments (on the recent election results) who assumed that the handle (@sonunigamsingh) was singer Sonu Nigam’s.
Talking to us from Auckland, Sonu clarified, “Main X pe hoon hi nahi.I quit the platform seven years ago, and for the same reasons. I am so focused on my work and my own personal and spiritual evolution that I don’t really bother about making comments on other people, especially political parties. I am not affiliated to any political party. As a citizen it is my duty to respect the government, but I am not into politics at all.”
‘People should check the profile before commenting on a public platform’
The singer added, “Why would I ever say such things? Koi matlab hi nahi hai. My office connected with Sonu Nigam Singh, and he told them, ‘Main Nigam hata doonga’. This is the reason I quit X…wahan pe log apne aap ko bohot hi smart samajhtein hain. But log itne smart hain nahi ki woh check karein ki jisko woh gaali de rahein hai, woh wakai mein Sonu Nigam hain ki nahin? Dekh toh lo uska profile. People should check the profile before commenting. That man is a criminal lawyer who lives in Bihar. Usne kabhi bhi kaha hi nahi ki ‘Main singer Sonu Nigam hoon’. He is reportedly followed by a few leading politicians on this socail media platform. Logon ko lagta hai ki agar yeh usse follow kar rahein hain toh yeh singer Sonu Nigam hi hoga.”
‘This is not good my family and my safety’
Sonu explained that even if he were on this platform, he would never tweet anything of this nature. “This kind of thing spoils my name. I feel strict action must be taken. This is not good my family and my safety. Most of the people mistook this handle to be mine, without any verification. Ek aam aadmi ko kya dosh denge, news channels bhi mera hi naam le rahein they. Kamal hai.”
‘Mera koi intention hi nahi hai politics mein aane ka’
When asked whether he'd ever join politics, Sonu said, “I don’t have any intention of ever joining politics. Jiss din aaunga, bohot hi class se aaunga but abhi intent hi nahi hai. I am really enjoying the artistic phase of my life. I am getting such phenomenal, good work. I am traveling the world for my concerts. I have no time to get tied down with political responsibilities, because it is not my forte. Mera passion politics nahi hai.”
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Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 6, 2024)
Singer Sonu Nigam who quit X (formerly Twitter) in 2017 itself found himself in the middle of an unsavoury controversy on Tuesday, right after the Lok Sabha results. Another user, who goes by the handle Sonu Nigam Singh posted an angry outburst against Ayodhya voters, and soon enough, media channels started misattributing it to the singer. This followed trolling of singer Sonu Nigam, who was not amused.
“I wonder how the media platforms that mistook him for me didn’t do their basic sanity check by reading the description of the account. His handle says ‘Sonu Nigam Singh’ and the description says that he’s a criminal lawyer from Bihar,” says Nigam, talking exclusively to HT City.
Apparently, the handle @sonunigamsingh, with a blue tick and 59.2K followers, and also followed by PM Narendra Modi and Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal makes politically charged statements and has earlier also been mistaken for the singer’s account.
“I don’t believe in making any sensational political remarks and I only focus on my work. But yeh incident alarming hai, not just for me, but also for my family’s safety,” says Nigam.
How does he plan to address this? He says, “My well-wishers often send me screenshots of [Singh’s] posts. My team reached out to him and insisted he fix his handle name, as millions of people are being misled by him using my surname. We’ll find a way to fix it.”
People go crazy about my signature step even now, says Sonu Nigam on 25 years of Bijuriya
10:35 PM
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 8, 2024)
The 1990s was considered the best phase for independent music in India. And one song that continues to rule the playlists of pop music lovers even now is singer Sonu Nigam’s Bijuriya that was released 25 years ago. Composed by Ravi Pawar and penned by Ajay Jhingran, the dance number from the album Mausam gets people on the dance floor even today.
“Bijuriya is among my most favourite songs. It has been a part of my life since 1999 and I perform it at 99.9% of my shows. In fact, I performed it in Phuket (Thailand) two days ago and the attendees went crazy,” says Nigam.
The song came close on the heals of the singer’s another chart-topping dance hit Tu Kab Ye Janegi from the album Kismat (1998). Sharing how it was ideated, Nigam adds, “One of the songs that was written for Mausam was Tera Kaisa Hai Ye Jalwa. Ajay ji and I were at Ravi Pawar ji’s home and I thought we should have something without the word jalwa, as the song Har Taraf Tera Jalwa (from the album Tunak Tunak Tun; 1998) had just released. So, I suggested words like bijuriya, dagariya, gujariya, sawariya, etc. Then Ajay ji wrote the lyrics for Bijuriya. Musicians like Sivamani (percussionist), Rupert Fernandes and Shyam Raj ji (saxophonist) were onboarded for the song.”
Speaking of his signature step, the Padma Shri recipient adds, “Saroj Khan ji (late choreographer) had choreographed Tu Kab Ye Janegi. So, she knew I was a keen learner and a singer who wanted to dance. I told her that while choreographing Bijuriya, she should think that she’s doing it for Govinda (actor). I’m glad that people still look forward to my Bijuriya signature step when I perform on stage.”
Best view of Ram Mandir ceremony was for PM Narendra Modi and second best view was for us-Sonu Nigam
8:34 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; January 28, 2024)
Singer Sonu Nigam was one of the first to perform at the Pran Pratishtha ceremony in Ayodhya on Jan 22. In an exclusive chat with Bombay Times, the popular singer revealed that a day after his performance, it was brought to his notice that his voice was the first one ever to reverberate at the holy temple premises.
“Someone messaged me yesterday (Jan 23), that ‘Do you realise you were the first voice that was ever heard at that auspicious temple premises’. Pehli meri awaz goonji thi Ram Janmbhoomi pe. I had not even realised that then.”
Speaking to us about the performance Sonu said, “I actually did not go there with any preconceived notions. I wanted to just go with the flow. They had asked me to sing at the ceremony, but I am also aware that protocols keep changing, so I didn’t tell anyone, not the press, not even my family that I might sing there. Even though they’d asked me to sing I didn’t want to tell anyone pehle se because I didn’t want to feel bad ki itna soch ke aaye, itna bol ke aaye, aur gaane ka chance hi nahi mila. Kuch bhi ho sakta hai political events mein, delay ho jaye, jaldi ho, ya cancel ho jaye. So, I didn’t go there with any preconceived notions. Once I went there, I saw that it was extremely crowded. By the time we reached, there was no place to sit as everyone had already occupied seats. My stage was far from where I was asked to sit. The best view of the entire area was of course for our PM Narendra Modi and the second-best view was where we were sitting! The seat at which we were, had the best view of everybody around. We could see people everywhere. The mandir was surrounded on three sides with audiences. And we were the only ones who could see all the sides. Because we were on a higher level, toh sab kuch higher perspective se dikh raha tha. It was a magical view. We were at the best spot. Everyone’s craziness and frenzy were visible to us. And when I finally sang there, it was just beyond words.”
Sonu Nigam is known for his vocal rendition and the singer told us that they had not rehearsed before singing on that stage. “We had not done rehearsals. When I went there sound checks already ho raha tha, so thoda sa maine bhi aalaap sa liya and I realized that I could manage with that sound and I gave the musicians my scale. And the musicians knew what I wanted to sing, and they knew my scale. So jab sahi waqt aaya toh kaha gaya ki aap stage pe abhi aayenge and it was beautiful. It felt amazing. Maine aankh bandh kar ke eeshwar ko kaha, ‘Sambhal lena, accha ho jaye. Sur na jaye and aisa na ho ki sound mujhe samajh nahi aaye’. And after that it all went pretty well. Now that I heard the recording, I realized that it was all done without rehearsal and so it was pretty magical. In the end I did the Ram Dhuni toh pura mahol ban gaya. Shuru mein maine shanti se start kiya uske baad I took it up at a higher level and in the end I again brought it to the solemn chanting of Jai Ram Ram. So, everything fell into place and bahut hi accha mahol tha. This is one event that I will cherish for a lifetime. Aise kuch events hote hain jo life changing hotein hain and this was that. It was beautiful.”
Now, I only do songs that are worthy of my name and time-Sonu Nigam
10:29 AM
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 28, 2023)
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.”
BETTER WITH AGE!
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.”
Shaan bahut badmash hai, kya kya bol jaata hai logon ko, main toh phir bhi soch leta hoon-Sonu Nigam
8:29 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; June 21, 2023)
The film-music industry is fiercely competitive. Tell us about your professional relationship that has lasted for decades.
Shaan: There is a lot of mutual admiration and while people might think we are competitors, we aren’t. Sonu is my senior and from a very early stage in my career, he’s been an inspiration. I love his tenacity and how hard he works to achieve perfection in music. I think of him when I want to push myself creatively, otherwise, intrinsically, I am lazy! We’ve seen good times and bad times together.
Sonu: I heard Shaan’s voice before I met him and mujhe itna accha laga tha. I hadn’t really acquired that kind of modernized singing before that. And Shaan was my first inspiration. I learnt that modern style of singing from him.
Sonu, you have been embroiled in several controversies over the years, whereas Shaan, you’ve usually stayed away from them. What do both of you think of each other’s reactions to situations?
Shaan: Sonu has always spoken his mind and sometimes he is impulsive. Certain situations just happen with him, but good thing is that he comes through unscathed and comes back stronger. Sonu knows me; I am probably more impulsive and have more foot-in-the-mouth situations than him. People just don’t perceive me like that, so I have gotten away with it.
Sonu: Arre, Shaan bahut badmash hai, kya kya bol jaata hai logon ko, main toh phir bhi soch leta hoon. But that’s because he is childlike, extremely seedha and very loving. And main controversy mein nahi jaata, main sach bolta hoon. When I am asked something, I speak up. Ya toh pucho hi mat, pange mat lo, because if you ask me about certain things, I will surely tell you the truth, otherwise I don’t speak.
It’s great to see two talented people in same cut-throat industry rooting for each other. Does your connection go deeper than music? How do the both of you connect at a personal level?
Shaan: We have a lot in common and our sense of humour is also similar. We get the same jokes and the same ideas when together at parties. We are proud sons of very talented fathers and that is a big connection.
Sonu: When I first met Shaan, he told me he is Manas Mukherjee’s son. Little did I know then that his father and my parents had a history together. My mother used to sing for his father. So humara rishta humare paida hone ke pehle ka hai. Our fathers had met each other during their struggling days.
What does World Music Day signify for you?
Sonu: India is now the melting pot of music. Our country has always had traditional, classical knowledge of music, but now there are some singers in India who can sing jazz in classical sargam! No other country in the world can do this. People like Shaan have so much love in their voice, people like Arijit (Singh) are so astoundingly versatile, and we also have young singers like Salman Ali. We have so much talent here including producers, arrangers, programmers and sound engineers. India has become the hub of music talent and world music, and we should celebrate.
Shaan: Music is a universal language and there is no part on earth where it isn’t celebrated, and no Indian celebrations can happen without music. So, to have one day in the name of music across the world makes a lot of sense. Music is the glue that holds the world together. World Music Day is perfect to bring the world together with music.
Tell us about the first time you both met.
Shaan: We met at composer Babul Bose’s recording. Once I was sitting at the T Series office and aap dub kar rahe theyy, that’s when I first saw you.
Sonu: We were recording for Babul Bose, and he came in. He had long hair in those days. First minute se hamari bonding bahut acchi hui. I first heard of Shaan was from composer-musician Raju Singh. We were at a studio when Raju ne kaha, ‘Sonu sunn zara. Ek naya singer hai, uska naam Raja hai. Expressions dekh iss ladke ka, feel dekh iski.’ When I heard the song, I was blown.
Haven’t you ever had skirmishes, fights?
Sonu: Ek baar aisa hua tha, bahut saalon pehle ki baat hai and then I didn’t speak with Shaan for six-seven months.
Shaan: Yes. That was a misunderstanding we had. It was some miscommunication and luckily, we cleared that out.
---------------------------------
Sonu had created a song for Shaan and his wife Radhika after attending a party hosted by the couple. “We were leaving Shaan’s home after a very late-night party and he and Radhika came to drop us to our car. On the spot I created a song in the style of composers Laxmikant–Pyarelal and singer Shabbir Kumar and sang it for them. It’s titled ‘Hospitality’ (and sang it for us),” says Sonu.
Shaan adds, “It had an LP feel to it in Shabbir bhai’s awaaz. And since that night, he sings this song for us every time after a party. We have had some great times. There have been parties at our Karjat farmhouse.”
Shehzada's title song has turned out to be one of my all time favourites-Sonu Nigam
8:16 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; February 19, 2023)
Sonu Nigam has been an integral part of the music industry for the last three decades. Despite the influx of new talent in the world of music, he is on the top of everyone’s minds when it comes to pure melodies like Main Ki Karaan and Kahani (Laal Singh Chaddha) or foot-tapping numbers like the Shehzada title track. In an exclusive interview, he talks about singing for Pritam again, being active in the Indie music scene and missing his family and more. Excerpts:
You have recently worked a lot with composer Pritam. Tell us about your association with him.
There’s been a renewed association with Pritam lately and after Laal Singh Chaddha and Dunki, and I truly love it. Apparently, director Rohit Dhawan and Pritam decided to approach me for the title track of Shehzada as they needed a blend of vigour and expression conveyed with innocence in that song. And the song has turned out to be one of my all-time favourites.
You sang two melodious songs — Kahani and Main Ki Karaan — in Laal Singh Chaddha. Do you feel that they had the potential to catch on and become far more popular?
The credit for Laal Singh Chaddha goes to both Aamir (Khan) and Pritam. The movie, unfortunately, was plagued by negativity. Otherwise, the songs I sang would have reached the level of Kal Ho Naa Ho. But I always say that every piece of art comes with its own destiny. Today, Kahani and Main Ki Karaan are a staple at my concerts.
You have recently sung for an OTT release, worked on many singles and also lent your voice to spiritual songs in the last year. Professionally, how has the last year been?
The last year-and-a-half has been unbelievable in terms of quality of work. The Mission Majnu song Maati Ko Maa Kehte Hain is a beautiful track, which was released around Republic Day this year. The Indie music scene that I’ve been a part of is so diverse — be it Rangrezwa and Yaad for Jam8 or Ruk Ja for Salim Sulaiman’s Bhoomi 3, I have received so much love for them. Then there are two tracks, Hanuman Chalisa and now Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, releasing under my label. These have been very exciting times. And then there are also my regional songs and concerts!
On the work front, you seem to be on a roll.
Honestly, I am overwhelmed with the volume and quality of work. The aggressive Sonu of the 1990s and 2000s is long dead; so this new calm and satisfied version is unable to relate to all this, although I have seen all this before too. But internally, I’m thankful to the universe; after all, good work comes from good karma. It’s a blessing to have worked with so many geniuses in the last 31 years in Mumbai, who have enriched my life. God definitely loves me.
Your family is in Dubai, while your work keeps you in Mumbai and also takes you across the world for your concerts. Do you miss your family?
I miss spending time with my family in Dubai as work commitments need me to be in Mumbai and the rest of India. Sometimes, I don’t get to meet my father for weeks despite being in India, but they know that I’m fulfilling my destiny.
The Padma Shri Award has been playing hide and seek with me for over 25 years-Sonu Nigam
8:25 AM
Debarati S Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; January 29, 2022)
Sonu Nigam was among those conferred with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, this year. The singer was given the honour for his contribution to the field of art. Sonu, who has a plethora of songs to his credit in various languages, had won the prestigious National Award in 2003 for the title track of Kal Ho Naa Ho. Some of his popular songs include Sandese Aate Hai (Border), Yeh Dil Deewana (Pardes), Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin (Agneepath), Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna (The Legend Of Bhagat Singh) and Suraj Hua Maddham (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham), among others. In a chat with Bombay Times, the singer talks about winning the honour and his family’s emotional reaction. Excerpts:
How does it feel to win the fourth highest civilian award?
I have been showered with calls and compliments ever since the announcement was made. It’s a humbling and overwhelming feeling. All I can say is, bahut der kar di meherbaan aate aate.
Were you hoping to win the honour this year?
I had stopped thinking about it. The Padma Shri Award has been playing hide and seek with me for over 25 years. The first time someone mentioned that I might receive the Padma Shri was in 1998. After that, every now and then, people would tell me that I am among the prime candidates that year, and it would raise my expectations. Gradually, I matured and stopped looking in that direction entirely. This was absolutely unexpected.
I look at it as appreciation from India for my journey as an artiste in the last three decades. It felt really good to see my father and family shedding tears of joy. Awards are like gifts. You must not boast about them if you receive them, and you must not sulk when you don’t get one. They don’t determine the calibre of an artiste.
How did your family react to this news? What did your son (Nevaan) say?
I got to know about it while I was shooting a musical show in Kolkata. So, I had to make quick calls to my family between takes. My first call was a video call to my father (Agam Kumar Nigam). I told him, ‘Papa, sit down comfortably somewhere. I just received a call from The Ministry of Home Affairs. Padma Shri for us!’ My younger sister and he started screaming. He and I then cried, remembering my mother (Shobha Nigam). I was on the set and couldn’t tell anyone why I was crying until 7 pm when the winners were announced. As for my family in Dubai, I broke the news to my wife Madhurima’s mother first over a video call while the rest of the family was around her. Nevaan got to know about it after he returned from school. He was obviously extremely happy and quipped, “Now, I’ll call you Padma Shri Chhotu.” He and I address each other as Chhotu.
Ilu Ilu in Saudagar and Kuk Kuk Kuk in Choli Ke Peeche were Subhash Ghai's additions-Sonu Nigam
8:19 AM
As he makes his long-overdue debut as composer for 36 Farmhouse, Subhash Ghai turns to friend Sonu Nigam for the song Mohabbat. In this chat, the duo walks down memory lane
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; January 17, 2022)
Asking Subhash Ghai about his decision to venture into music composition with 36 Farmhouse could be done in two ways. One, we ask him why he decided to turn composer. Two, we ask him why he decided to turn composer, so late. Anyone who has followed the filmmaker’s work understands, and appreciates, the importance he pays to music. After all, wouldn’t we have felt a void if Indian cinema didn’t have musical masterpieces like Taal and Pardes? In this joint interview with long-time collaborator Sonu Nigam, who has sung Mohabbat in 36 Farmhouse, Ghai takes the mic.
Ghai: I would listen to composers. Hearing a song is one thing, but understanding the art of singing is crucial. I learnt from Kalyanji Anandji, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and A R Rahman. I noticed how they compose and make [music] better. When I write a film, I script its music too. So, when I discuss it with the composers, they understand the director’s vision. An integral part of the score is always scripted. It is not like picking up any song and adding it anywhere. Just like you need a good actor for the role, you need a performer who can sing the track correctly. I have experimented a lot. For instance, for the track Nahin Saamne (Taal) we [appointed] eight artistes. Sukhi (Sukhwinder Singh) had already sung Ramta Jogi, so we needed another voice. But we struggled with the right voice for the rendition of the word ‘priyasi’. Finally, we locked Hariharan, but had Sukhi render the word ‘priyasi’. Having specialists who know how to deliver, is important.
mid-day: Mr Ghai, give us a sense of the discussions you have with your composers.
Nigam: I will answer this. I remember singing the song Cham Cham (Yaadein). It had been created by Anu Malik, and while rendering it, we felt something was missing. Subhash ji told me to extend the section of the words ‘cham cham’, like we eventually did. I am sure the song wouldn’t have been successful without that. Even though I haven’t worked with him on those songs, I am sure elements like Ilu Ilu (Saudagar), and Kuk Kuk Kuk (from Choli Ke Peeche, Khalnayak), were his additions. He has a grip on these elements which will strike a chord.
mid-day: What must the current crop understand as far as making an evergreen score is concerned?
Nigam: That there needs to be one captain of the ship. In this corporate culture, we have many people willing to give opinions — I don’t think this will work, I don’t like this voice, etc. But you need to back your claim with knowledge. In the past, directors like Ghai sa’ab took the responsibility of making a film. Whether or not it is well made is a different matter. But once he has taken that responsibility, the opinions of his wife, kids, driver or anyone else, won’t matter. The casting, singing, acting will be done as per his sensibilities. In Saudagar, he got Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar together. Mazak hai kya in dono se acting karana. He made them do in their senior years what [no one] could when they were young. But he had the faith that he would make this film that would become memorable, and whose dialogues will be narrated for years.
Nowadays, decision-making is not backed by an understanding of the craft. You may have a degree in mass communication, but where is your knowledge of art? The music of Taal is legendary. While Rahman has created fantastic pieces of work, this one holds a special place. Ghai sa’ab had the knack of getting what he desired from Rahman for Taal.
Ghai: I back everything that he has said. Do you think artistes like Raj Kapoor sa’ab, and Manoj Kumar would have been able to do what they did if they were associated with corporates? The business of art needs to focus on art, right? If you try to control that soul, beautiful pieces won’t be made. With 36 Farmhouse, Zee Studios gave me the freedom to do as I pleased. I am responsible for this, however it turns out. Take the example of Dangal. The film [shone] because it was the work of one man’s vision.
Nigam: Yesterday, I was recording a track of Laal Singh Chaddha. Aamir [Khan] was there. Though he says he can’t sing, he has an understanding of music. He’d keep asking me to sing different sections differently. I didn’t mind doing it again and again, because the man knows his job. He understands the essence of his film, and only he could ensure that the way I sing matches the pulse of the film. A film should have its director’s personality.
I wanted Neevan to have a normal childhood-Sonu Nigam
8:19 AM
The singer says it was very important for his son to have a life away from the limelight
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 11, 2021)
Living life in the public eye is not easy, something that singer Sonu Nigam took cognisance of very early on when he decided to send his son Neevan out of India.
“My son became a sensation in 2012 itself,” notes Nigam hinting at the time when a four-year-old Nevaan captured hearts of many when he recorded his own version of Dhanush’s popular track Kolaveri Di.
The singer further adds, “But if you make a big deal out of it then that is the problem. If I wanted to show my child around in every party and if I wanted my son to come out with new songs, then he would have been pressurized. As parents, we didn’t want to ruin and taint his childhood. I wanted him to have a normal childhood with friends; one where he doesn’t have to go for appearances, shoots and parties.”
Nigam, 48, says that was why he and his wife Madhurima decided to send him to Dubai to live and study there. “I wanted him to study and live in a country outside of India, which is not too far. Initially, we were planning to move to USA in 2009 as me and my wife are green card holders and my son is a USA citizen. But commuting from Los Angeles to Mumbai is very difficult. So I decided to give up the idea of living in LA. Dubai is closer to Mumbai,” he shares.
While he shuttles between his two homes, he is happy to have given a normal childhood to his son.
“We made sure to give him a normal childhood. Now his friends are Brazilians, Germans… something that I never got to experience in my childhood,” he concludes.
Singing devotional songs has made me more versatile-Sonu Nigam
8:09 AM
Singer talks about his love for the genre and success of his latest song on Chhath festival
Soumya Vajpayee (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 10, 2021)
Devotional music has been an integral part of singer Sonu Nigam’s musical journey. He’s sung several songs of the genre over the last three decades. “From childhood, my mother made me acquainted to faith in something beyond our perception and intelligence. And, for that, she taught me how to pray at home and also took us to temples, gurudwaras, churches and dargahs. Incidentally, I have some beautiful songs in all these faiths,” says Nigam, whose new song, Jai Chhati Maiyya, has garnered over 12 million online views in less than a week of release.
“In the past, I’ve done concerts around the Chhath festival in Mumbai, but never really knew I would receive so much love for my first song for Chhathi Maiyya. I am truly humbled,” says Nigam, adding that he enjoys singing devotional numbers, but they also come with a lot of responsibility.
He explains, “There are many facets to singing devotional songs. One, they should sound real and from the heart, and not contrived. Second, most of the devotional tracks of all faiths require a trained voice. Singing these songs has made me more versatile, notwithstanding the fact that because of my devotional songs in the last 30 years, I have a strong independent place in the hearts of my listeners, regardless of my film and pop songs.”
Of late, apart from Hindi film and non-film music, Nigam has also been actively involved in regional music. “I get to work with some great regional music composers, lyricists and singers. This time, it was a beautiful experience to work with Pawan Singh. We were able to crack the song (Jai Chhati Maiyya) and the shoot in less than four days,” Nigam says.
Many of my sister’s friends came to Dubai to get the Pfizer vaccine for their kids as it is available there-Sonu Nigam
7:58 AM
Sonu Nigam says artistes are always relied on when there’s a need for fundraisers, but the last one and a half year has been completely despairing for them
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 28, 2021)
“We have to learn to live with Coronavirus,” says Sonu Nigam, who has been recording songs and rehearsing in “safe places” like regularly sanitised recording halls. The singer hopes that the live scenario opens soon as there are no concerts happening and many musicians, artistes and technicians went through a tough time in the last one and a half year.
Nigam is worried for them as “not earning anything for such a long period is really a tough”. He says, “I would request the government to think about the music industry. When there is a need to raise funds, artistes are relied on and are the first ones to come forward, but now the same artistes have been suffering at home. We need to be there for them.”
The singer feels that while the third wave is a concern, getting vaccinated and stepping out for work is also the need of the hour.
He explains, “Worrying won’t help. Vaccine is an important step. After both jabs, I feel protected. Vaccinations help reducing the mortality rate. Of course, practising all safety protocols — be it wearing a mask, social distancing or sanitising is important too.”
No vaccines for kids in India is another cause for concern, Nigam reveals that his son, Neevan, 9, got vaccinated in Dubai.
He shares, “Many of my sister’s friends came to Dubai to get the Pfizer vaccine for their kids as it is available there. Vaccines for kids should be allowed and I hope it is available soon in India as well. In fact, schools should open as should local trains. We can’t stay at home and be confined. Log kaam nahin karenge toh ghar pe bhooke mar jaayenge!”
The singer who’ll turn 48 on July 30, admits that now he has started understanding gratitude better.
“People say they don’t want to feel old but I don’t mind growing old as I feel age and experience have taught me many things. Ab toh akal aayi hai, zindagi ka matlab samaj aaya hai. Pehle jawani ke nashe mein tha and now I know how wonderful life is. I realise what gratitude is. I feel that I am aging gracefully,” he says.
He has been busy recording for two projects and has made songs for corporates but rues that, “There is nothing happening for now but independently there is a lot of work. Any creative mind can be as busy as you want to be.”
I don’t evaluate what’s happening, I’m just a witness-Sonu Nigam
8:01 AM
Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 6, 2020)
Singer Sonu Nigam is back in Mumbai after spending the last seven months in Dubai with his family. He considers being with his son for so long the most wonderful part of the year for him. “I did miss a lot of things, but the whole world is going through an intense transformation. Some suffer so much more than others, we’re some of the lucky ones,” he shares.
Nigam tells us he was busy recording songs and also had a “formal” concert in Dubai. “It was an indoor concert with social distancing maintained. It felt nostalgic to go on stage... It was a blessing that people attended in huge numbers even in a pandemic,” he says. Nigam, who released two songs during the lockdown, is excited about his latest track. “It is about surrender and is symbolic of my state of mind. One could call it a prayer, though not in a conventional sense,” he explains.
The National Award winner notes that, of late, a lot of indie music is coming out and doing well. “It is a good sign... I hope these guys are able to crack the code to get return on investment. That is important too for musicians,” he says.
Though the recent drug probe in Bollywood has taken the nation by storm, Nigam, 47, says he doesn’t think about it. “There are a lot of opinions and I don’t want to add to the cacophony. Whatever is happening — people losing jobs, making money, the pandemic, images being tarnished — is happening for a reason. That’s my theory of life. Only God knows why he’s doing it. I don’t try to evaluate. I am just a witness,” he signs off.
I will probably be the first singer in the world to go on the stage after all these months-Sonu Nigam
9:17 AM
Debarati Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; August 14, 2020)
Sonu Nigam will be among the first artistes to perform live on stage after things came to a grinding halt, owing to the Coronavirus pandemic. The concert, titled ‘The Light Concert’, will be held in Dubai — where the singer is currently residing — on August 21.
Talking to Bombay Times about the upcoming performance, he says, “I think this marks a new beginning in the concert scenario worldwide because I haven’t heard anything like this happening anywhere in the last few months, except one where the audience was sitting inside their cars. I will probably be the first singer in the world to go on the stage after all these months. The seating will be arranged, keeping social distancing norms in mind, and all protocols will be followed.”
Sonu says that this will be a completely new experience for multiple reasons. He elaborates, “For the first time, I will have a completely new team with me on stage because all my people are in India. The global team comprises musicians from Russia, Lebanon, Spain, France, Emirates, and Mexico. Since I have never worked with this set before, I have to put in four times the hard work. The concert will also be different because each musician is from a different country and background, so that will lend it a different touch.”
The two-and-a-half-hours solo concert is a passion project for him.
“I don’t even have an announcer or a host this time around. The last time I performed was in India in February this year. I haven’t been on a stage for so long, and I think that when I go up on stage this time, I will start crying,” says Sonu.
Talking about how the pandemic has hit the events and music industry, he says, “Musicians, including the sound guys, engineers, technicians, and event management companies have been the badly hit world-over because unka toh life isi pe hai na. But I am glad that things have slowly started opening up now.”
Even the powerful have a heart-Sonu Nigam
8:17 AM
Weighing in on the monopoly in the film music industry, Sonu Nigam says change can be brought about if top brass is made aware of youngsters' perils
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; June 22, 2020)
Albeit not entirely, a celebrated anecdote from William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar seems to find resonance amid the current discussion of monopoly in the film industry. It reads: "I know he would not be a wolf but that he sees the Romans are but sheep." It alludes to a powerful man who derives strength owing to the commoners' weakness. And while it may be futile to expect the powerful to relinquish their authority when they are abundantly catered to, singer Sonu Nigam suggests that the industry's tide could turn only if the top brass wills
"Even the most powerful have hearts; they have kids. If you try to arm-wrestle [with them], it will never be nice. We just want to convey a message, and, I think, better sense will prevail," says the singer, who recently released a vlog calling out the monopoly in the Indian music industry that, he suggested, could lead to cases of frustration and suicide, like that of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Lamenting that two Indian music companies were running the show in Bollywood and deciding the fate of singers, Nigam had appealed that the careers of the young not be exploited. "I understand the anguish of those who understand Bollywood. If you knew there was another way [of working], would you not try to help? This is a humble attempt to awaken people, especially those in power. They may not be aware, or have perhaps turned a blind eye to artistes' sufferings. After I shared my vlog, seniors, as well as the young have told me that they cried. They must have because they have suffered as much," says Nigam, adding that should his children enter the industry, he'd want them to have a "free market".
Currently tucked away in Dubai for the last three months, the singer has been working on a version of the Hanuman Chalisa that he hopes to release for his fans, in the near future. "There is also a song for Tips that I am working on. I am enriching myself [by creating] independent songs."
He is also looking forward to the YouTube release of his short film, Spotless, which sees him take to acting yet again. "Early on in my career, an engineer, Anil Patil had told me that his daughter had been attacked with acid. This incident stayed with me, and made me wonder how a man could believe [he's entitled enough] to do something like that, only because a girl turns down his advances. Also, the [assailant] was moving around freely. Back then, laws [were not strong]. I don't know if that has changed. So, when this offer came to me, I had to say yes," he says of the film that earned several nods – including one for him for Best Actor — at award galas, after its initial release in December 2019.
Too much power in limited hands will create more stories like Sushant Singh Rajput’s-Sonu Nigam
8:48 AM
Samarth Goyal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 20, 2020)
Following actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, singer Sonu Nigam posted a seven-minute-long video on Instagram on Thursday. He requested top music labels to be “a little sensitive” towards young talent so that the latter may not end up facing a fate like Rajput. Explaining the motivation behind the video, in which he said that people will “soon hear about suicides in the music industry”, Nigam tells us, “It is a heartfelt request to the power bearers to be a little kind to artistes...”
In the video, the singer, without naming any label, claimed that “two” music companies control the entire music scene in the country and are not letting newbies sing in films, because the latter are not the label’s artistes. “I’ve had so many young singers come up to me, literally crying. They say that the composer and director want them to sing, but the music label doesn’t want them, simply because they are not that label’s artiste,” he said in the video.
Nigam, 46, who has been in the industry for nearly three decades, also called out actor Salman Khan, without naming him, for not letting him sing in his films — just as, in 2016, singer Arijit Singh had alleged that his songs were “vetoed” out of Khan’s film because, the former made fun of the actor during an awards event. “Mere sath bhi wahi actor, who is in question these days, didn’t let me sing for his films. He did the same to Arijit Singh as well,” Nigam said. When asked to confirm if the actor he referred to was Salman Khan, the singer neither confirms nor denies it.
He further revealed in his video that he has often been asked to sing by composers, but later “unhone woh gana kisi aur or se gavaya”. “I’d understand if I had approached the makers... But they called me and then didn’t use my voice,” he added in the video.
Rajput’s death has caused an uproar among people, who have blamed a section of Bollywood for ignoring talented ‘outsiders’ and endorsing nepotism. Nigam says that, through his video, he wanted to warn music companies against “disregarding” younger musicians.
“It’s a serious issue. If you are accusing so many people for Sushant’s fate, who didn’t even have a direct connection, then, in this case, there is a direct and brazen disregard for people’s careers,” he tells us, adding, “The business has changed. But there has to be equal opportunity for talent. Too much power in limited hands will create more stories like Sushant’s... The scene out there is not very encouraging. The amount of thank you messages I have received after this video is scary.”
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