Crying hoarse

CRYING HOARSE

On collapsing after a performance in Bangalore, Sonu Niggaam is upset that there is no insurance policy for singers in India

ASHWINI DESHMUKH

Sonu Niggaam went through a gruelling time recently when he had a number of concerts lined up in Bangalore and LA.
To his horror just before the performance he had severe sore throat and high fever. But he went ahead and performed because he didn't want to disappoint the organisers and his fans but collapsed after the performance in Bangalore.
The experience has left Sonu wondering about the lack of insurance policies for singers in India.
A distressed Sonu says, "Like various other countries, India also needs to have some insurance policies for singers. I recently realised how deep a problem a singer can get into, if he or she suffers even a minor throat infection. I had concerts lined up in Bangalore, LA, Indian Idol, Star Voice Of India and everything depended on my voice. It's the most important asset I have! When fire, movies, concerts, cars are insured, why not our voice?"
The singer continues, "Even in Dubai one can get his/her voice insured but not in India. A few years back someone asked me to get my voice insured in Dubai. But I was informed that it was illegal to get it my voice insured outside India," he says.
"You can't imagine the kind of paranoia I went through. Not just my work, so many people's money was at stake. And when you know there are thousands waiting outside to hear you, you can't just go with that hoarse voice saying 'Hey, I've got a bad throat but just because you all are waiting, let me sing for you'. It's a nightmare for a singer to be in that situation," adds Sonu.
We hope things turn around soon!

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