being a rebel has......-Sonu nigam

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Tanvi

@sonu_rocks

Inactive

Posted: 19 years ago

Being a rebel has always paid off for me'

Sonu Nigam talks about what spirituality, song-writing and his urge for adventure have done for his music

Kunal M Shah

Now, here's a newsflash. Sonu Nigam has a new talent. The singer, known more for his singing and evaluating prowess, also turns out to be an able composer and lyricist. These skills have been displayed in the song he dedicated to the victims of the train blasts, a song he not only produced and sung, but also wrote and composed.

Sonu says, "This is very exciting. I have postponed my trip to USA by a week so I could personally supervise the strategy of my song. Deepak Pandit has composed it with me. And while I was working on the composition, I realised that I wanted to do the lyrics myself. Touch wood, it worked out very well. Incidentally when we were working on the song, the bomb blasts occurred and when Radio Mirchi heard the track, they wanted to air it. So we decided to give it to them to market and package well. I decided that I did not want to release the song through any music company – they have their own issues like having a DJ remix it and all.'

"I know that the song is a sure-shot hit and the planning was apt. I think it is the right song to dedicate to the blast victims. I agree that nothing can compensate for the loss, but I hope that the song will ease the pain of their relatives and friends to a certain extent. I think every individual is a patriot at heart and I wanted to send across this message to the youth of our country for a spiritual reason."

Sonu's song-writing abilities come as quite a surprise. Does he see himself seriously pursuing the line? "Well, I have written on and off, but never publicised it. I remember when I was in London for my song in Kismat, Dev Kohliji could not be traced and that's when I wrote the song 'Tu'. I am very happy with the song, it is a personal accomplishment. I have much to say, and I want to say it through songs. I think spiritual healing is the need of the hour. I think people born after 1980 will form the Satyug. These are net savvy and into ring-tones and all, and they represent the present generation. They are positive individuals, and I want to target them. The oldies will not change now as they will either be staunch Hindus or staunch Muslims. I want to tap the youth as they are the future of this country," he says.

What has drawn Sonu to spiritualism? "My entire family is deeply spiritual. I keep nice company and that's why I have no frustrations or stress. One can't 'turn' spirituality on; everybody is born this way…you just have to be humble and modest. You should not take yourself too seriously. This is why the last two or three years have been great for me. I have been completely unaffected by people's comments."

Sonu even remains unaffected by the current crop of singers. "I am getting a lot of work and as far as I am concerned singers like Kunal Ganjawala, Shaan, Kay Kay and Himesh, are all doing great work. All my recent songs in Fanaa, KANK, Paheli or Parineeta have a definite quality. This work has given me long term of respect. I am also doing a lot of semi-classical work but one film that I am really looking forward to is Jaan-e-maan. Pay special attention to the music. I think you will be proud of me," he says.

Speaking about experimenting with different voices and songs Sonu says, "Yes, being a rebel has always paid off for me. I love adventure and that's why I keep on doing everything I can towards that extra thrill. But it is not because I am restless; I am completely poised in my mind. Sometimes my family wonders how I can manage to do so m any things simultaneously. I have realised I can do it all because I am mentally settled."

What about his acting career? "I never expected to continue being offered films after my previous films. I have learnt a lot after the films I have done. I am very careful about choosing a project now and will only do a film when I am completely satisfied about all its aspects."

• One can't 'turn' spirituality on; everybody is born this way…you just have to be humble and modest. This is why the last two or three years have been great for me – Sonu Nigam