Sonu Nigam voicing many things

Excerpts from an interview:

You've been tagged as the youth icon. How do you feel about it?

I had never noticed it. But two to three years ago Shaan came to me and said that singing aspirants in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and many other singing talent competitions come up with my song. While judging the Indian Idol I've noticed that the contestants pick difficult song in my voice to prove their capability. In this regard I would just say that good work never goes unnoticed. Success and achievements don't move me. I just focus on my work.

What are the criteria's that you follow while you sing?

When I sing a song I set a goal. I'm not perfect and maybe I'll never be perfect. My strive is for perfection and so I keep on trying to reach my goal. Maybe in the next ten years there will be chances of improvement. I'm still learning as a human being and as a singer. I want to limit the number of mistakes that people make in their life.

Does it mean that you're always looking to do something challenging?

What's happening in playback singing front?

This year I've got some great songs lined up. Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna, Shirish Kunder's Jaan-e-Man, Kunal Kohli's Fanaah, Nikhil Advani's Salaam-e-Ishq, Rakesh Roshan's Krrish, J.P. Dutta's Umrao Jaan and Farhan Akhtar's Don. I regret not getting to sing the track Khai ke paan baneras wala in Don. Shankar-Ehsan-Loy had already asked Udit Narayan for it. But he is the apt choice.

What do you have to say about Himesh Reshammiya who is a successful singer today?

Music today is different and so diverse voices are getting accepted. Himesh has a distinctive voice and so he has found acceptance. So I think we shouldn't criticize him just because he sings through nose. There are many singers who are brought from outside who are besura and sings worse.

How do you rate the singers from Pakistan?

Some of them are good, while most of them are just okay. After hearing to the voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Mohd Rafi, I don't understand who needs to hear those voices. Pakistan has a different flavour and colour of music. Now Himesh has infused that style in his own way. If there's permeation, we need to tighten our belts.

What your take on the recent condition of music industry in India?

Are you hinting at T Series?

We share an affable relation. But things have changed from the time of Gulshan Kumarji. I've extended my efforts and tried to be a good friend. But it has not been appreciated. I want a more credible company for my classical album.

Where do you look from here?

Right now I'm tied with many things. But I'm enjoying the demand of my presence everywhere. My passion lies only in music and I derive satisfaction only through working. I also love judging Indian Idol. At the same time I rush to a concert and return back again for a recording. I'm lucky that I've so much work to do. I search for happiness within myself. I like only optimism and don't allow anything negative in my life.