Sonuji has Outgrown India - Talatji

Sonuji has Outgrown India - Talatji


It's rare to see two diverse artistes come together and do a ghazal rendition. Talat Aziz's latest album Caravan-E-Ghazal, apart from bringing newness to the traditional ghazal format, also brings Sonu Nigam and himself together for the first time.

Talat Aziz and Sonu Nigam talk to DNA about singing a ghazal together and the independent music scene in India The two, in fact, had been planning an album together for a long time but Sonu's tight schedules and his performances abroad left him with little time to pursue it. Finally they decided to sing a song together in Aziz's album.

"When I came down to Mumbai
, Talat had already recorded his entire album. So we went to my studio and I over-dubbed on his voice. We have sung half-and-half, each in one line but the transition is smooth," says Nigam.

"He can sing anything from rock and bhangra to ghazals. He belongs to the international platform. He has outgrown India,"boasts Aziz of his friend Nigam's talent.

Aziz's album is one of a kind. It has nine classic poets -- from Mirza Ghalib to Janesar Akhtar, but the treatment is contemporary with pianos and nylon guitar.

"The compositions are traditional and you can't tamper the inherent rhythm of the ghazal. I have done the traditional harmonium and tabla compositions earlier but this time, I wanted to do something different. I wanted people who are not into ghazals to enjoy it too."

Aziz is an established musician, but is quick to admit that the present scene is such that independent artists find it difficult to break in to. Nigam agrees adding, "People need sleaze, and controversies to promote independent talent."

http://movies.indiainfo.com/2009/02/02/0902021646_sonu_has_outgrown_india.html