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? |
|||
This is your third film. Your earlier movies 'Jaani Dushman' and 'Kaash Aap Hamare Hote' flopped. Worried? 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? That's just one regret I have with this movie. Nikhil and Vinay are super music directors - their talent could have been tapped better. |
|||
|
|||
Why did you move to acting? 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? |
|||
Any particular reason for the new look? 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? 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. |
|||
|
|||
How do you shuttle between careers as varied as music, films and anchoring? 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? |
|||
Television brought recognition to your singing talent... |
|||
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? 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. |
switch
switch
switch