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Parag Maniar
What instigated you towards spiritualism?
Well there was nothing specific that drew me towards spiritualism. I mean nothing untoward happened in my life that jolted me and turned towards spiritualism. I guess I am surrounded by people who are deeply into it. My father and mother practise Reiki. My sister is a Yoga teacher. It is from her that I mastered the art of Yoga. It helped me a lot. It gave me peace of mind. I realized that that was something I was thirsting for for a long time.
You also traveled to the Himalayas…
Yes! It just happened. A friend… actually the person who asked me was not even a friend. I had just met him a few days back in Delhi through common friends. He just happened to ask me if I was interested in trekking in the Himalayas and I instantly said yes. And believe me trekking in the mountains was the most awakening experience I have had. Imagine staying in a tent and you look out and you have nothing but only the sky over you. The only company you have is of the bear who at times dares to come close to your tent. You defecate in the open. So who was Sonu Nigam there? Nobody! What was my identity there? That of just another common man! Even while trekking the mountains I realized that I was running out of breath. If climbing a small portion of the mountain this was my state so imagine how much more I have to work on my body.
Okay. Any plans to take up work in films?
You mean to say take up a job as an actor. As of now I have no intentions to sign films as an actor. Though I began with Kaash Aap Hamare Hote and my acting skills were praised in Love In Nepal I don't want to take up acting at all. I have realized that to make your mark as an actor you need to have a good story, a good director and a good producer who will to see that the film reaches the common man. He should be also able to market it well. I get film offers even today. In fact, a producer from a reputed banner just approached me with a script but I turned him down asking him to approach someone else. I want to focus on one thing and that is singing. I don't want to deviate from it.
Is that why you bought your own studio?
Well yes! But it is not one of those glamorous and spacious studios as you see in recording studios. I have just converted a modest flat into studio. I had bought this flat in Lokhandwala and I converted it into a studio. It is a well equipped studio with the latest technology. I have got my set of engineers and sound recordists. In fact, I have already begun recording my private album, the music for which has been scored by Deepak Pandit. Pandit is known for his classical music. He is very talented and mark my words he will soon become a music director to reckon with.
There were rumours that you were going to quit singing..
What? I think I have been misunderstood. I said I was going to quit wholesale singing. I would prefer to sing ten quality songs in a year rather that croon to ten thousand that do not make any sense at all. I would like that even if I am not there tomorrow the songs that I have sung are fondly heard and remembered.
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