A different tune for Sonu Niigaam - Interview !!!

A different tune for Sonu Niigaam - Interview !!!

In India, they call him the man with the golden voice. But despite continued requests from Bollywood's music directors, 35-year-old Sonu Niigam has all but turned his back on a profitable playback career. He prefers instead to tap into a vast back catalogue of hits that he uses for lucrative live shows in India and around the world. Certainly, the fans are lining up to see him in action – a recent show in London where he performed the hits of Bollywood legend Mohammed Rafi was totally sold out.

Q - Dubai can expect to see a touch of that when Niigam returns to the Dubai Tennis Stadium for his annual concert on Thursday.

A - But audiences should expect something totally new, he told Emirates Business at his Mumbai home last week. We talked to him about the show, his passion for music, Mohammad Rafi, and his selective approach to Bollywood.

Q - What can Dubai audiences expect from your show next week?

A - Dubai is a rich centre, not just in terms of its financial status, but also in terms of the taste of its people. It's always a pleasure to perform in front of an audience who is aware of your real calibre. I have worked out a different sort of show for Dubai this time, because in Dubai you can experiment and try new stuff. But of course I am not going to tell you what that will be.

Q - You're just back from the UK. I believe your London gig was sold out?

A - The first show was at Birmingham. The audience there are usually very prim and proper – you know, the sort that only clap at the end of a show. They're not like Indian audiences who keep screaming throughout. And that show was a grand success. So the curiosity levels were extremely high in London and the tickets were all sold out. And it was a great success too.

Q - Tell us about the incident a couple of months ago when a girl ran onto stage and kissed you? Weren't you injured?

A - The girl didn't intend to injure me. She just held on to me as she was dragged away. The stage scene is very different and India is just opening up to it now. But in the West, crazier things happen. I was surprised as I have not seen such adulation before. But such things are proof that the artist is doing well and I take it as a huge compliment. So the more it happens, the better I feel.

Q - Talking about variety, the album you put out earlier this year, Classically Mild, is different from what you normally do?

A - I wanted to do something more substantial. I did the album for people who have always come to me and asked what's wrong with Indian music. It was an album meant for people who love classical music. I don't expect people who aren't interested in classical music to buy it. And this is something I can be proud of when I'm older.

Q - You've cut back on playback singing – are the rumours that you've given up Bollywood true?

A - I'm not giving it up altogether but I won't be singing as much I did before. I'm looking forward to a few good songs. It's just that I'm a little careful and like to do some quality music now. I'm not at the stage any more where I need to do a vast quantity of work. I see music as just a part of my life now; when I turn 70 and am not able to sing, I don't want to feel that I didn't do anything in life besides singing.

Q - What about reports that you're making an acting comeback?

A - I am short of time right now. I have not finalised anything as I have lots of other work.