If you think B-Town's playback singers are relegated to the background once they finish belting out a hit tune, you're wrong.
For most artists today, music concerts across the country and abroad have become a lucrative business opportunity.
Here, some of the biggest names in the business tell us about their favourite performances.
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Sunidhi Chauhan
Pre-show ritual: Get ready and probably eat something light.
Most memorable show:
All the shows have been memorable because I've got equal amount of responses.
Audiences have been completely rocking.
Ending with a bang: Come home, eat and sleep.
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| Himesh Reshammiya
Pre-show ritual: I make it a point to pray before each concert. Most memorable show:
One of my most memorable shows was at Wembley Stadium (London) in October 2006, and earlier, the one at the Air Canada Centre in July 2006.
It was an amazing experience and I had a great interaction with the audience. Words can't describe how I felt.
Ending with a bang: At the end of every show, I thank God for making it a success and then have chocolate with a cup of ice cream! | |
Abhijeet Bhattacharya
Pre-show ritual: I seek the blessings of my audience before beginning my performance.
I stand backstage with my face towards the audience and pray to them. After all, it's the audience that is responsible for who I am today.
Most memorable show: Recently, I performed in Karachi (Pakistan) for a charity show and it was an amazing experience.
The audience was enthusiastic and overall it was a great feeling.
Ending with a bang: At the end of every show, I unwind with some whiskey on the rocks. That's my way of bringing a rocking concert to an end.
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| Sonu Niigaam
Pre-show ritual: Before every show, I workout. I also do riyaaz.
Besides that, I prefer not to talk to anyone minutes before getting on stage.
It's very important for me to concentrate and stay calm. Finally, just before I go on stage, I recite the Ganpati shlokas.
Most memorable show: One of my most memorable shows was on April 10, 2004 in Karachi, when I was reborn as a Pakistani.
That was the day when a deadly bomb rocked the concert (no pun intended).
It was one of the scariest incidents and yet my most memorable show. Another show that I remember fondly is when I performed in Egypt on January 27, 2007 with the pyramids in the backdrop. It was an out of this world experience.
Ending with a bang: It depends on where I perform and also what my schedule is like.
If I am in a fun place like Ibiza or Egypt, then I'll definitely step out to discover the place. Otherwise, I prefer going back to my room and sleeping. | |
Udit Narayan
Pre-show ritual: Sometimes, I have my rehearsals. It's not possible all the time because I constantly shuttle between venues and cities.
My musicians are the ones who make my show a big success.
Most memorable show: I have travelled all over the world and been to different places, but the show I cherish most is the one in London in 2004.
The show was at the Royal Albert Hall, where I gave a solo performance. My musicians and my son Aditya accompanied me there.
Ending with a bang: I got to my green room, where fans come for autographs and photographs. I make it a point to stay till I meet the very last fan as I don't like disappointing them.
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Alka Yagnik
Pre-show ritual: Well, I rehearse and do the sound check!
Most memorable show: There are loads of them! I can't recall any particular one at the moment.
Ending with a bang: After constantly being on my feet and singing 20-25 songs, I am so tired that all I need to do is relax!
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Abhijeet Sawant
Pre-show ritual: I pray before getting on stage and then visualise my performance before stepping out.
Most memorable show: There are many, but the most memorable one is my tour to the USA recently.
A large number of people attended and the response was great.
Ending with a bang: I try to gauge the reaction of the people and work on my flaws. After that, I go out and celebrate!
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| Rahul Vaidya
Pre-show ritual: I make a song list depending on the show, rehearse with the musicians and pray that I sing in sur!
Most memorable show: One of my most memorable shows was the one in Bangladesh in June 2006, where I did four concerts.
The audience went completely crazy. Some girls had purchased Indian SIM cards to vote for me.
A girl from the concert even gave me a huge scrapbook with pictures and memories from my entire singing career!
Ending with a bang: Most of my shows take place out of town, so after the show I usually explore the place I'm in. I sometimes go out and party with the organisers and the musicians.
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