SONU NIGAM FAN CLUB - Page 4

Singing scene of 2005
By Joginder Tuteja, January 9, 2006 - 05:15 IST

2005 was the year when it was variety galore for Bollywood music lovers. There was just about everything for everyone with music ranging from hardcore 'masala' to mushy lovey-dovey romantic tunes to 'sufi' to rock as well as pop. One of the better years musically, the good part of 2005 was that there was no single singer or composer who ran a one-man show and dominated the music scene. In fact there were several talented artists who created waves either through their singing, composing or writing while creating a place for them in the industry. Another interesting observation was to see number of upcoming composers/lyricists cementing their place and making the world sit up and notice. Here we present a report on how the male singers performed in the year gone by.

Male singers

Himesh Reshammiya and Abhishek Bachchan – the newcomers

Two voices that surprised most and come to mind immediately are those of Himesh Reshammiya and Abhishek Bachchan. While the prime strengths of both the men is composing and acting respectively, it came a double treat to hear them singing quite convincingly and ultimately delivering chart top numbers. While Reshammiya's songs like 'Aashique Banaya Aapne', 'Aap Ki Kashish' [both Aashique Banaya Aapne] and 'Jhalak' [Aksar] hardly need an introduction, the song that has created a storm globally is 'Right Here Right Now' by Abhishek for 'Bluffmaster'. The credit must definitely go the overall packaging that each of the songs boasted of but the 'surprise' factor worked tremendously in favor of both Reshammiya and Abhishek, hence putting them right at the top. One may not hear them singing too often and hence the exclusivity should further work in their favor!

Atif, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and 'Strings' – Pakistani artistes who created euphoria

The other voices that one remembers next are those of Pakistani artistes Atif [Wo Lamhein - Zeher, Aadat – Kalyug] and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan [Jiya Dhadak Dhadak – Kalyug]. All the three tracks became a rage and while 'Wo Lamhein' dominated the beginning of the year, it was 'Aadat' and 'Jiya Dhadak Dhadak' that ruled the last quarter of 2005. What worked for 'Wo Lamhein' and 'Aadat' was the rock-n-rugged feel they brought along with them that made them so very identifiable by the youth. Also they had a great repeat value and were instantly catchy that made them popular pretty early on. The common factor in all the songs? They were composed for films by Bhatts. Sanjay Gupta too was lured by the beauty of Pakistani pop and roped in the band 'Strings' for the powerful 'Yeh Hai Meri Kahani' [Zinda].

Kunal Ganjawala, Kay Kay and Shaan – the youth brigade

Kunal Ganjawala continued to charm the audience after a successful 2004 and though the 'Bheege Hoth' [Murder] hangover was prevalent in some of the songs he sung in 2005, he also showed another side of singing style in songs like Kaal Dhamaal [Kaal], Title song [Salaam Namaste], Dulhaniya [Dosti], 'Tere Liye' [Ek Ajnabee] and 'Khwahishon Se' [Holiday]. KK too had a good song to his credit, 'Zehreeli Raatein' [Chocolate] though it was a rip-off from 'Aadat'. His 'Aasheyin' [Iqbal] wasn't heard across country but those on the metros who got a chance to come across the song simply loved. His transformation into a cool dude act for the title song of 'Neal N Nikki' and 'Dil Samandar' [Garam Masala] came as a revelation. Shaan relatively had a quite year in terms of sheer volume but his 'Dus Bahane [Dus]', where he paired with KK, was a reason enough for him to continue being amongst the top singers. Title song of 'Dil Jo Bhi Kahey' and 'Le Chale' [My Brother Nikhil] were other good renditions by him!

Sonu Nigam, Udit Narayan and Kumar Sanu – the regulars

Amongst the regulars, it was Sonu Nigam who continued to remain in the top, both behind the mike and on the screen with his popularity increasing manifold due to 'Indian Idol' show! His 'Sun Zara' [Lucky-No Time for Love] made one listen to the heart while his 'Chori Chori' from the same movie was cute-n-naughty! 'Halka Halka' from 'Chocolate' was another well sung song though it didn't go the extra distance that it deserved due to limited run of the movie. When it came to sheer Indian melody, he was unstoppable with hit numbers like 'Kasto Mazaa' & 'Piyu Bole' [Parineeta] and 'Dheere Jalna' [Paheli] in his kitty. Sadly his highly melodious 'Doob Jaan Re' [Main Meri Patni Aur Woh] went unnoticed though his vibrant 'Ada' [Garam Masala] entered the Top 5 charts!

Udit Narayan had an interesting 'Dhadak Dhadak' [Bunty Aur Babli] as the year began with his songs from 'Kyun Ki' [Title song, Aa Je Le Ik Pal Mein Sau Janam] and 'Ye Dosti' [Dosti - Friends Forever] are still popular. Kumar Sanu has been going slow for past few years but that hasn't been stopping him from coming up with at least one chartbuster a year. For 2005 he would be remembered for the title song of 'Barsaat' while his 'Kahan Ho Tum' from 'No Entry' brought back the 'tapori' nostalgia of Anil Kapoor from the 80s and the 90s!

The Others

Sukhwinder Singh, who has his own fan following, came up with a delightful 'kathputli' number 'Phir Raat Kati' [Paheli] and a semi-classical 'Aayo Re Sakhi' [Water]. Lucky Ali too made his presence felt with his 'Jaana Hai' [Kasak] and 'Hum Bade Hue' [The Film], which went unnoticed. Music arranger turned composer Ranjit Barot came behind the mike for 'Aashiyan' [Holiday] and simply rocked! Anu Malik was good in both 'Maar Suteya' and 'Chak Le' [Deewane Huye Paagal] and the former turned out to be popular too. Viveik Anand Oberoi dubbed over Anu's 'Sutradhar' track in the same movie but the fact went largely unnoticed.

Shankar Mahadevan and Javed Ali provided good support to Alisha Chinoy for one of the biggest hits of the year 'Kajrare' [Bunty Aur Babli]. Kamaal Khan also had a success in the form of 'Laga Laga' [Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya] while Pankaj Awasthi made people sit up and take notice of his 'Tera Hi Karam' [Karam]. Indian Idol Abhijeet Sawant made a good debut with 'Mar Jaanwa' [Aashique Banaya Aapne] while Rahul Vaidya and Amit Sana didn't meet with the same success but were decent in 'Hello Madam' [Shaadi No. 1] and 'Thi Meri Dastan' [Kalyug]. Clinton Cerejo was quite impressive in 'I Just Wanna Spend My Life With You' [Neal N Nikki] but due to language factor, the song was completely sidelined in the promos!

Female singers

Sunidhi Chauhan, Alka Yagnik, Shreya Ghoshal – reign of the trio

When compared with 2004, the situation remained unchanged with the trio of Sunidhi Chauhan, Alka Yagnik and Shreya Ghoshal remaining as the Top-3 female singers. Sunidhi Chauhan maintained her tag for being the best bet when it came to an item number through songs like 'Deedar De' [Dus], 'Tauba Tauba' [Kaal], 'Ankhiyan Na Maar' [Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena], 'Baras Ja' [Fareb] and 'Aayoji Babu' [Apaharan]. Also she was simply delightful in a cameo for 'Right Here Right Now' [Bluffmaster] and the 60s style 'Kaisi Paheli' [Parineeta] where she got an opportunity to sing for none other than the diva Rekha!

Shreya Ghoshal continued to get songs that would otherwise have gone straight to Alka Yagnik a couple of years back. 'Agar Tum Mil Jayo' [Zeher], 'Kanga Re' [Paheli] and 'Piyu Bole' [Parineeta] are three such examples to cite. Her songs in 'Holiday' ['Khwahishon Se', 'Tu Hai Bhatakta Jugnu Koyi'] too deserve a special mention while 'Naam Adaa Likhna' [Yahaan] was simply amazing! In comparison Alka Yagnik sung a number of tracks but had a lesser number of hits to her credit. Amongst her biggest successes were the songs in 'Barsaat' [where she sung almost all the songs including the hit title track], 'Laga Laga' [Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya] and the title song of 'Kyun Ki'.

Alisha Chinoy, Anuradha Paudwal and Kavita Krishnamurthy – the veterans

This is one voice that has started sounding better and better with age – we are talking about Alisha Chinoy who is maintaining a certain standard when it comes to both quantity and quality and has an almost 100% success rate this year. Her 'Kajra Re' is easily the biggest HIT of the year when it comes to a song by a female singer while her other item tracks like 'Ishq Di Gali Vich' [No Entry] and 'Nakhre' [Barsaat] have been good successes as well. Listen to her sensual 'Tinka Tinka' [Karam] and it is hard to skip over to any other track. Anuradha Paudwal sung a very few songs with the most notable being 'Jaan Meri Jaa Rahi Sanam' [Lucky] that managed to recreate the 'Razia Sultan' magic. Kavita Krishnamurthy too showed vintage form in 'Main Vaari Vaari' [Mangal Pandey]

Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle – the incomparable

Utterly romantic 'Shayad Yehi To Pyar Hai' [Lucky] was yet another instance of 70+ Lataji singing for a teenager girl [Sneha Ullal] and weren't the results simply amazing? Philosophical track 'Kitne Ajeeb Rishte' [Page 3] wouldn't have sounded half as interesting if sung by any other singer of lesser caliber. Then she returned in the year end to do a mother act for A.R. Rehman's 'Luka Chupi', a mesmerizing lullaby from 'Rang De Basanti'. Just like Lataji, Ashaji too sung a naughty-n-mischievous 'Lucky Lips' for Sneha Ullal and 'Huzoor-e-Ala' in Page 3 though there wasn't much heard from the living legend in Hindi movies apart from this number.

The Others

Some of the biggest hits of the year came from young singers who are not heard much in the Bollywood musical scene. At the top of this list was Vasundhara Das who was unstoppable in the highly energetic and peppy title track of Salaam Namaste. Amrita Kak made an impressive debut while literally chilling out in the dance floor hit 'Just Chill' [Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya]. Two relatively new entrants, Shibani Kashyap and Shweta Pandit, made a splash with their songs for 'Zinda' and 'Neal N Nikki' respectively. While Shibani's 'Zinda Hoon Main' is aiming for the top of the charts, Shweta's 'Halla Re' and the title song for N3 literally created a 'halla' all over. Gayatri Iyer and Shashwati Phukan too had a song apiece in the form of 'Chukar Dekha Hai' and 'Yeh Jo Saundhe' [Men not Allowed] that remained with you for long!

Western style of rendition was prevalent this year in Hindi movies with singers like Dominique Cerejo and Caralisa Monteiro making their presence felt. Dominique was there for a small part in the title song of 'Dil Jo Bhi Kahey' while getting an opportunity to sing a complete track 'Move With My Body' [Holiday] that deserves to be promoted more aggressively. She also appeared in the background chorus at a number of places. Caralisa too should be hot favorite for English tracks after her haunting rendition for the wonderful background theme music in 'Dus' and 'Kaal Dhamaal' [Kaal]. The 'English Club Mix' of 'My Dil Goes Mmmm' [Salaam Namaste] further consolidated her position.

hey every1 thnx for so much response so early though i xpected it for sonu,will update pg1 soon with members list

Setbacks bring me closer to god: Sonu Nigam:-
Mumbai | August 23, 2005 9:25:07 AM IST


Life has been somewhat bittersweet lately for playback singer Sonu Nigam, with a near escape in Kabul, reports of a souring marriage and a semi-hit album under his belt.
In an interview with IANS, the popular singer talks candidly about his feelings -- and his newfound passion for yoga and spiritualism.

Q: Your life seems to be in turmoil.

A: Why do you say that? I've never been more at peace. Sure, there will always be ups and downs... Like the stage collapsed in Kabul when I performed recently. But for every Kabul there is Babul... I sang a song recently for a film of this name. And I was moved beyond measure. If I get a song like that I am willing to pay the music director instead of vice versa.

Q: What happened in Kabul?

A: Anything could have happened! There was a crowd of 50,000 people. If it were India or Pakistan, the audience would have probably stormed the stage and killed us all! But the crowd in Kabul was so well behaved.

Earlier I was in the middle of an explosion in Pakistan. Sometimes too much publicity is harmful. But I found the Pathans in Afghanistan to be thorough gentlemen.

Q: And the women?

A: Couldn't tell. They were in burqas. But they were dancing at my show! Have you ever heard of women in burqa dancing at a live concert?

Q: No, not really!

A: I feel sad it ended so abruptly. I sang only six numbers when my world collapsed. I started singing "Saathiya..." and the stage broke.

Q: Maybe Rahman isn't very lucky for you?

A: He's VERY lucky for me. All the songs I've sung for him have been landmarks.

Q: Are you happy with the way your new album "Chanda Ki Doli" has fared?

A: I didn't expect it to be so successful. According to my company T Series, the market is so bad that nothing sells. But it isn't so much the market as the marketing that needs to be improved. If you project a song as a Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan or Shahid Kapur number, no one will go to a music store to buy it. They would rather watch the film and forget the song.

On the other hand if the singer is highlighted, hype is created around him, people will buy the CDs. All these music companies are in it only for money. To do a good album you have to fight tooth and nail. Fortunately, I am easy to work with. No one can question my professionalism.

Q: But your "Chanda Ki Doli" was well promoted.

A: All the promos that you saw for my new album were masterminded by me. Thanks to Sony Entertainment, my album got noticed on television. Though T Series would never acknowledge it, Sony played a very important role in projecting "Chanda Ki Doli".

Q: Things don't seem to be going too well for you on the personal front?

A: No, no. My life has never been better. I am in great shape. I am in the best state of mind. These setbacks don't matter to me at all. In fact they get me closer to god.

Q: The media is taking great interest in the state of your marriage?

A: I know. Someone called up my wife pretending to be concerned about what happened in Kabul but actually wanting to know more about our marriage. That is fine. I have learnt to accept these intrusions as part and parcel of my life as a public figure.

Q: For the record is your marriage off or on?

A: It's on standby.

Q: Are you happy with life otherwise?

A: You can't expect life to be stress-free. Once in a while something happens to upset me, I welcome that. I wouldn't grow as a person if there were no hardships. On the whole I have been happy for seven years. I have gone so deeply into my personality.

Yoga has changed my life. Though I am still far away from being a complete yogi, I am on the way. My younger sister's guru got me into this. Since he is not connected with films, he guides me without awe or prejudice.

Q: What is more important for you, music or spiritualism?

A: Spiritualism. That is my priority from one to 10. Music comes at number 11. I wake up at 3 a.m. to do my yoga till 7.30 a.m. My work is also getting better because I am in a better state of mind. I let life take its own course. I am earning and learning. I am reading and growing as a human being. My songs and my spirit are doing well. And I interact better with people. When I was in a negative frame of mind, everything went wrong.

Q: What else are you planning?

A: I want to do a pure classical album... something on the lines of Hussain Baksh. I like his blend of Punjabi style singing and good lyrics. For me, he is the master of that genre. I hope that happens to me before I grow old.




(IANS)

Sonu Nigam live in concert
By: A hitList Correspondent
May 30, 2005
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Sonu Nigam
Sonu Nigam will launch his latest album Chanda Ki Doli at a special two-hour concert to be held at the Ravindra Natyamandir, Prabhadevi on Tuesday at 6.30 pm.

Nigam has not only sung all the songs, but also composed the music for this album. He will belt out four tracks from the new collection as well as six of his most popular Bollywood tracks.

This show will be telecast on Sony on June 10.

From June 2, a special four-part series will air at 8.30 pm chronicling Nigam's first break, his entry into Bollywood and his passion for music.

Interestingly, Indian Idol finalist Rahul Vaidya and Nigam's favourite contender for the Idol crown will compere the show.

Indian Idol Abhijeet Sawant along with finalists Prajakta Shukre, Amit Sana and Aditi Paul will also perform. Angad (Mohammed Iqbal Khan) and Kripa (Neha Bamb), the main lead of the Sony daily Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai, will also perform at the show.

No romance with Sunidhi, says Sonu Nigam
Jul. 7, 2005





Sonu Nigam is quite amused about rumours linking him with fellow playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan and says she is like a "little baby" to him. Sonu says that she continues to be a child for him, even though she has matured and gone on to become a very promising singer, reports Bollywood Trade. "But I neither have the time nor the inclination to put rumours to rest. There are people who probably think that both of us are single and ready to mingle," Sonu smiles. Stressing that he is not upset with speculation about his personal life after his marriage broke up, he says: "There is a school of thought that says that I will need to fall in love with a woman because my support system has collapsed. "The fact is I have a great support system in all the people I interact with, including my driver, my personal secretary and the people I work with."

Interview with Sonu Nigam

"I am 'shameless' enough to explore every possibility open"

Posted on 20 October 2003

For millions of TV viewers in India, Sonu Nigam is a familiar figure, thanks to the success of Sa Re Ga Ma and Kismey Kitna Hai Dam.

This Faridabad-born singer owes his success to his father Agam Kumar, whose enthusiasm for music was passed on to Nigam. Trained under Kumar, Nigam gave his first stage performance at an early age of three. He sang the Mohammed Rafi number Kya Hua Tera Vaada (from the film Hum Kisise Kum Nahin) along with his father. He made his way to Mumbai, the city of dreams , when he was barely 18.

Nigam's first song was recorded for film Aaja Meri Jaa. Soon, the late T-Series head Gulshan Kumar signed Nigam for his music company and he started churning out hits like Achha sila diya tune mere pyaar ka... (film Bewafa Sanam).


Today, this chocolate faced-singer-turned-anchor-turned-actor awaits his first significant film Love in Nepal, slated for an October release. He's acquired a new brawny hip look for the film.

Nigam made some candid confessions to Vickey Lalwani in an interview. Excerpts:


How did 'Love in Nepal' happen?
About a year ago, director Rajat Mukerjee came to me and said he had a script which only I could do justice to. Naturally, I agreed. Within a few days, the remaining cast was decided. Love in Nepal started rolling.


This is your third film. Your earlier movies 'Jaani Dushman' and 'Kaash Aap Hamare Hote' flopped. Worried?
When a movie goes wrong, a lot of factors are responsible for its failure. Unfortunately, in India people don't understand this. The hero and heroine are made the scapegoats.

I wouldn't like to go into details as to why the movies failed. Of course, I know the reasons but people's emotions are involved. I wouldn't like to hurt anyone. Anyway, who hasn't tasted failure? I am not worried.


Being a singer, how satisfied are you with the songs of the film?
The cassettes are selling well enough. However, I would have preferred to be there while the songs were being made. Had that been the case, I am sure the end product would have been better. That's how I - and even Nikhil and Vinay, the music directors of the film - feel.

That's just one regret I have with this movie. Nikhil and Vinay are super music directors - their talent could have been tapped better.




Sonu Nigam and co-star Fllora Saini in a still from 'Love in Nepal' "I want to act in every existing genre - like romance, action and comedy. My gut feeling is that I will succeed in all"


Why did you move to acting?
Everybody I know - directors, friends and even journalists - used to urge me to try my hand at films. "You'll do well"- I was repeatedly told. Slowly, their opinions started to sink in.

I never took any acting classes. My advantage is that I am a known face and people identify my through television.


Did television anchoring help you in acting?
Anchoring on television made me choreographer- and camera-friendly. Of course, as a child I have acted in films. But when you grow up and face the camera, you need to loosen up a bit. So yes, anchoring was helpful.


Any particular reason for the new look?
Well, I have always kept changing my looks at regular intervals. It's just that people are noticing me more now. When I first came to Mumbai, I had shoulder-length hair. After some days in the city, I sported a crew cut. Then I had longish hair and a thick, coarse beard in Sa Re Ga Ma.

I love to keep changing my look. I don't do it for anyone else - a new makeover just makes me feel good. And hey, girls love the current look! (laughs).


How are you planning your career, here on?
There's so much happening. Television offers, film offers, singing offers... I live the life of an actor, singer, dancer, anchor - all at one time.

But in the long run, I am looking to make my forte in every genre of acting - romance, action, comedy. I have a gut feeling that I will be successful in all the genres.


"Versatility is my strongest point. All my songs are radically different from each other. But I am at ease singing all of them"



How do you shuttle between careers as varied as music, films and anchoring?
Why not? I am a gifted child. My biggest gift is my 'shamelessness', which others don't have.

People are very restricted in what they want to do, they don't try out much in life. I am 'shameless' enough to explore every possibility open. I hated dancing, but still learnt it.

I am sure that many people are jealous of me. They can't stand my multidimensional capabilities. They want to pull me down - which is typically Indian. Some 'great men' (who are conferred with awards almost every year), have even tried to misguide me in the past.


Are you interested in acting in TV serials?
No. I wouldn't do TV serials. There is not enough money in that. But I am open to anchoring new shows on television, subject to its format and the terms and conditions.


Television brought recognition to your singing talent...
(interrupts) I beg to differ. I was a singer first. I bagged Sa Re Ga Ma because I was a singer. I can't lay the credit for the recognition of my singing talent on Sa Re Ga Ma. I got singing assignments for films because of my pop albums.


Let me put it differently. Television gave you the platform to come into limelight. Agree?
Yes, agree. That's precisely why I didn't listen to those who discouraged me from doing this medium. I trust my own judgment. I knew the impact of television. I knew the reach of television. Almost 70 per cent of my success today is due to television.

You have worked on Star Plus as well as Zee. What is the difference between these channels?
(smiles). My experience with both channels was great. Both have their pros and cons, but it would be unfair to compare.

As a singer, what is your strongest point?
Versatility. All my songs - be it What is your mobile number?.., Zindagi maut na ban jaaye sambhaalo yaaro..., Bijuriya... or Ye phoolo ki dukaan per gori ka makaan... - are radically different from each other. But I am at ease singing all of them.

In your early days, did you have to approach people for work or did they come to you?
For the first five years, I was a beggar. Everybody begs in their initial days. No newcomer can walk into an office and say, "Sir, I am very good at my job. If you want me, you can hire me."

However, at present, I'm working very hard. Singing, dancing, body building, acting - all this requires regular inputs. I want to grow further in the industry

'I'll be very asli'
Okay, so Hrithik Roshan is the newest heart-throb of India's PYTs. Hero Number 1, if you will. Guess who is Darling Number Two, the second-most-sought-after Bollywood boy? Chocolate-faced-singer-turned-anchorperson- turning-actor Sonu Nigam, that's who. Girls and women, single or otherwise, adore him as much as they swoon over the H(e)-man. For millions of Indian television viewers, Sonu is a familiar figure, thanks to the smashing success of his song show Sa Re Ga Ma.

"I've got 27 offers," he told Suresh Parekh in an interview at the Silver Palace Hotel in Rajkot. For a guy who does not have a single release to his name yet, that is an awesome record. Over to the versatile gent...

Is it true that it is not just females, but film-makers too, who chase you these days?

Yes, that's true. I've received some offers. In fact, I've received 27 film offers. But, to be very frank, I'll be doing only three films. Besides, I also need a lot of time to ponder my acting career.

Why is that?

Since boyhood, I'd always wanted to be a singer. I can't metamorphose into an actor overnight. I need three-four months to make up my mind. Right now, I'm not sure about acting. My singing career is shaping up very well. Maybe, the next three-four months will clear the picture.

And the Tips music company has already signed you on for a movie?

Yes, I've signed two movies, but I've not committed dates to anyone else so far. But I told Tips that, if I do their movie, it will be my first film.

Who is going to direct it?

I wouldn't like to go into details since everything is in the pipeline.

Raj Kanwar?

No. That will be my second film.

Have you set yourself any guidelines for signing films?

I have to, because I believe in quality, not quantity. If you have followed my career so far, then you will know that I've always sung good songs and done quality programmes like Sa Re Ga Ma. So, if I eventually do films, I will definitely look at the banner, director and, above all, the storyline. That should explain why I chose only three out of the 27 films I have been offered.

You have established yourself as a playback singer. Would Sonu, the singer, sing for Sonu, the actor?

Yes, he would I will be singing most of the songs, perhaps all the songs. That's very obvious.

Who will be the music director?

I'm not sure. I don't have any information.

As Sa Re Ga Ma's anchor, yours was a long and busy journey. And now, suddenly, you have decided to move away from it all.

I know Sa Re Ga Ma has done wonders for my career. I achieved fame, status, money, satisfaction and what have you. To be very frank, from the day Sa Re Ga Ma started, I'd prayed to God everyday. It was a challenge for me and I did well. I'm happy with my own performance and its outcome.

Why do you think you were successful? Was it money that inspired you?

Money? Certainly not. Because I was not doing it for the sake of money. I left the programme because I was fed up. I was doing it for the last five years. And this is the sort of programme where you have to say only nice things. So I've to praise everyone in each episode. I did that by changing a few words, but I was saying the same thing in the end. My heart was not in it after a while, that's why I decided to take a break. And, anyway, five years is not a small period.

You have the typical chocolate-boy looks. You should do well as far as the romantic scenes are concerned. But how comfortable will you be in action/stunt scenes?

That's a good question. But, again, I'd say that I myself don't know. I don't have enough self-confidence right now.

Singing and acting. Which of the two are you more comfortable with?

Right now, singing. But I will try my best in the movie too.

How do you see your transition from singing to acting?

I'm asking myself how well I'm doing. Should I act or not? But, again, I'd say that, in the next two-three months, the confusion will clear.

This seems to be the era of Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan and the Khans. Does this give you sleepless nights?

I won't be able to answer this question because I've not concentrated 100 per cent on my film career.

When is the work on your first movie going to start?

Not before November.

Are you planning to enroll in any institute for a course in acting?

I know I still have three-four months. I've not decided about it. But yes, I'll discuss the finer points with the experts in the film industry.

As an actor, what would your top priority be?

Doing good things in a good way -- that has always been my top priority and will continue to be so in future as well. Not only as an actor but as a singer, anchor and human being. I came to Bombay as a playback singer. I'd like to believe that God has helped me land some great assignments. When I decided to try my hand at anchoring television shows, I got the chance to work for a very good programme. And now, I'm going to do a movie. I hope God will again help me.

What, according to you, was the best aspect of Sa Re Ga Ma?

Perhaps the face-to-face meeting of the newcomers with the legends of the Indian film industry. I think it's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of meeting for many of them. I also took pride that I met with and talked to so many legends during my five year stint. Each show is a memory.

Are you keen on singing the Western type of songs? Or is it the classical segment which interests you?

Classical singing is the best thing, perhaps the ultimate. But I do believe that, if you sing even Western songs with good technique and style, it is very appealing. The connoisseurs too will like it. A good example is my song, Deewana mera... from my album, Jaan.

As a singer, what is your strongest point?

Versatility. See, if you look at songs like What is your mobile number? and Zindagi maut na ban jaaye sambhaalo yaaro, Bijuriya bijuriya and Ye phoolo ki dukaan per gori ka makaan, you will notice that they are quite different from each other. But I think I was at ease in all those songs.

Is this the secret of your success?

No. The secret of my success is God. Success doesn't come through talent only, it comes through God.

If you had not became a singer, what would you be?

A scientist.

Any marriage plans?

In coming four-five years (laughs).

Who is the most beautiful heroine you have seen so far?

I think we have plenty of beautiful heroines. But I like Aishwarya Rai, Marilyn Monroe and Tabu, for her expressions.

Would you like to work with Aishwarya Rai and Tabu?

Yes, why not?

Who is your all-time favourite actor?

Amitabh Bachchan. I'm a great fan of Sanjeev Kumar and Dilip Kumar too.

Would you choose any of them as your role model?

No. I think that is not fair. I'd try to be natural, myself. Even in the Sa Re Ga Ma show, I was very natural. Let me tell you that, in my acting career, I'll be very asli.

Sonu Nigam wants royalty for singers
Publish Date : 10/11/2004 7:26:00 PM Source : Onlypunjab.com Team




Sonu Nigam, a leading singer in the Hindi film music industry, has called for a system of royalty payment for singers.


"Singers do not get royalty payments from sales of music cassettes. Something must be done as they too deserve a share of profits," Nigam told IANS.

Nigam, one of the most popular male singers in Bollywood after a series of recent successes, was in the city Wednesday to announce a talent show on an entertainment TV channel.

"Music companies make profits. Composers and lyricists are paid royalties from the sales of music albums. But singers are given only a one-time payment and no royalties accrue to them.

"We hear of great singers past their prime facing tough times. They could have got their dues if the royalty system had covered singers," he said.

Nigam said singers were paid royalties in many countries.

The singers' fraternity in India should take up the issue with policy-makers, he suggested.

"We should make a presentation before political leaders and the information and broadcasting ministry," Nigam added.

"We won't have to do commercial performances and shows if our financial security is taken care of by a system of royalty payment," he said.

Toonz-Impact Vision pact to produce Geet Mahabharat

HindustanTimes.com

New Delhi, January 11, 2006












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Asia's animation studio, Toonz, has inked an MOU with Mumbai-based production house Impact Vision to produce for the first time the grand Indian epic Mahabharat as an attractive combination of Animation, Lyrics and Music in Hindi. The song sequences will be suitably strung together to create standard half-hour episodes for television, Toonz CEO P. Jayakumar announced here today.

Mr Satish Mutatkar, CEO, Impact Vision, is also the writer of highly appreciated lyrics for the animated feature film Hanuman, rendered by well known singers like Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan, Kailash Kher, Vijay Prakash, Madhushree and others. Originator of the concept and writer of Geet Mahabharat, Satish Mutatkar will be the Creative Director of project.

"This is a very interesting project for the studio," said Mr. Jayakumar, "Creating an animated show that completely hinges around music is a challenge."

"The venture is a novel one and is part of our initiative to encourage programming with strong Indian roots alongside original shows for American and European audiences," Mr Jayakumar added.

Satish Mutatkar said: " Mahabharat is simply the greatest story ever told. With modern Animation and Music we now have the right tools to take it to any audience.

And Hanuman has already demonstrated that there is a huge family audience for Animated mythological subjects presented in a contemporary and attractive manner. It is truly a privilege to team up with a world-class studio like Toonz for a project as exciting as Geet Mahabharat.

Earlier, Impact Vision had produced TV serials, docudramas and more than 25 documentaries on subjects like safflower, hearing handicap, breast cancer, bee keeping, coconut cultivation and diamond and jewellery industries.

Cinema's most sparkling star in Mumbai night



HARNEET SINGH & nbsp;


Posted online: Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 0244 hours IST



MUMBAI, JANUARY 11: From the Emergency to a disabled cricketer, from Netaji to Hanuman, from a Bipasha beat to a Rani step, it was a night that celebrated the finest in Indian cinema. And as the stars shone at the Hero Honda 12th Annual STAR Screen Awards at the NSE Grounds in Goregaon, what stood out in their glitter was how the parallel had so dazzlingly blended with the mainstream.

Iqbal and Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi walked away with the first Ramnath Goenka Memorial Award, an honour that Shekhar Gupta, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express said was most appropriate because these films "reflect the values of our founder Ramnath Goenka.''



Iqbal was chosen for its spirit of empowerment, Hazaaron... for grappling with serious politics with sensitivity and courage. It was Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Black that swept the honours with awards for screenplay, cinematography, sound and background score. Subhash Ghai's Iqbal was a close second. Shweta Prasad and Naseeruddin Shah took home the Golden Lady for Best Supporting Roles. Prasad, whose birthday was today, called it "the best gift I could have ever asked for". Abhishek Bachchan bagged the Best Actor in Comic Role for Bunty aur Babli. Pointing to an overwhelmed mother Jaya Bachchan in the audience, he said, ''I hope this will cheer you up.'' Nana Patekar was adjudged Best Actor in a Negative Role for Apharan.

This year, the ceremony raised a toast to 11 new talents (male) 15 female and 28 debut directors. Vidya Balan walked home with the most promising newcomer award for Parineeta. Shiney Ahuja was the best newcomer (male) for his wheeling-dealing role in Hazaaron.... Fifty-one-year-old Pradeep Sarkar won the best debut director award for Parineeta. ''Ab nahin hota to kab hota,'' he said. For music, Shankar Ehsan Loy won Best Music Director for Bunty aur Babli; Gulzaar the Best Lyricist for Naam ada (Yahan). Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal got the best male and female vocalist for Dheere Jalna (Paheli) and Piya Bole (Parineeta) respectively.

There was a special award for veteran action director Veeru Devgan: Unsung Hero Award. Accompanied by daughter-in-law Kajol, he said a humble "thank you" but the ever-giggling Kajol said: "He might be a fantastic technician and a great human being but he's the best father-in-law in the whole world".

Among the other winners: Child star Ayesha Kapoor for Black, Shreyas Talpade for portraying a disabled cricketer in Iqbal, Sachin Khedekar the Special Jury Award for his role as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Shyam Benegal's Bose, the forgotten hero; Hanuman for its pioneering work in animation. The glittering show, choreographed by Ganesh Hegde, saw riveting performances by Akshay Kumar, Rani Mukherji, Bipasha Basu, Shilpa Shetty and Zayed Khan. Laughs came from the five finalists of the Great Indian Laughter Challenge who hauled Bhansali up for using all his white money to make Black.