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Variety, his spice
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As Sonu Nigam continues to experiment, URMILA RAO finds out what's the latest
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PHOTO: RAJEEV BHATT
NOTEWORTHY Sonu Nigam says he doesn't change his looks to prove a point
Call it versatility, or the temptation to put his eggs in all possible baskets. Popular singer Sonu Nigamhas the ability to get involved with whatever excites him.In addition to belting out a variety of songs, from fast numbers to bhangra to romantic duets to songs with a classical base, the 33-year-old has also been an anchor, an actor and most recently, a radio jockey and a lyricist.
He has penned and sung a patriotic song "Yeh Rashtra Prem Ki Bhavna", and has released it is as a single song album. Says Sonu, "This is the first of its kind as the album doesn't involve any company. I have released it through radio and television. It is also on the Internet and people are using it as a ring tone. But it is not available on CD."
Radio jockey
The song, composed by Deepak Pandit, is getting a good response, and Sonu is seemingly moved by the number's reception. He was in Delhi the other day to promote the song through the private FM channel Radio Mirchi. Interestingly, he has debuted as a radio jockey for a rival FM channel, Radio City.
"It's a wonderful job. But I cannot comment on how long I will be able to do it, as it involves very little money," admits the singer in his soothing voice.
He sings soulfully and speaks candidly and did just the same when he was a judge on the popular reality show Indian Idol. In fact, it was he who emerged as an idol for most contestants and for scores of viewers who saw him admonishing, praising and rating the performance of participants with utmost sincerity and tenacity. Being a judge at 30 was a feat in itself. "While the maximum age limit for the contestants was 30, I was there as a jury member. It was an overwhelming experience. I got to hear many good voices," says Sonu, who first sang on stage at the age of three. The boy from Faridabad, who at 17 made Tinsel Town his home , has been quite a dabbler.. Be it his looks that he frequently works upon, or testing his prowess in the professional arena, he has always been up to something new. Some trials have earned him laurels, some brickbats. Claims Sonu, "I don't change my looks to prove a point. I like to see myself in various looks. As for movies, I would like to try if I get any good project. My earlier movies didn't do well because I did not know the art of choosing movies and was still shaping as an actor. In this business, no one can guarantee success. Even multi-starrers flop. I believe one should work with the right banner for box office success."
Is he happy with the remix trend? "I believe it's a form of piracy," he opines. "The original lyricist doesn't get any credit."
Having spent 15 years in playback singing, Sonu concurs he has become choosy. Right now, he isbusy with "a fusion semi-classical" album, which will hit the stands soon.
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