Sonu Nigam on songs and SRK
Appropriately apostrophised as 'India's Voice of Love' on the show, Sonu's voice has been used often by Shah Rukh Khan to woo his heroines. Alternately, the same voice has wrenched tears from the eyes of millions. Rajeev Masand had a lively chat – interspersed with songs – with Sonu Nigam about singing, rivalries, mimicry, and much more
Rajeev Masand: Sonu, the song these days everyone is talking about is your song from Jodhaa Akbar. It's a song with AR Rahman and your collaboration with Rahman has always been interesting – you guys have done some interesting work together. You sang for him in Dil Se, you sang for him in Saathiya, you sang for him again in The Legend of Bhagat Singh. Is he really a guy who brings out the best in you?
Sonu Nigam: I think he's been known to be very choosy and he chooses good. So, I would say that both of us have had a good tuning. We've worked less with each other. We've not worked too much. In fact, in last five years – after Saathiya – I've hardly worked with him. I remember – I can count on my fingers – I must have sung two songs for him.
Rajeev Masand: Why do you think that is?
Sonu Nigam: He's also doing less work, I've also stopped doing film songs. I just want to be very selective right now because it's very difficult to be a singer in India and not be that so-called 'playback singer'.
Rajeev Masand: That's true.
Sonu Nigam: Everybody just wants to become a playback singer, not understanding the disadvantages of it. You are never able to carve your own niche, you are never able to get your own individuality out. So I wanted to check that in me. I wanted to become a singer, not only a playback singer. And so I've had to cut out many of my playback assignments and by the grace of God it has helped me tremendously.
Rajeev Masand: Okay, now since we were talking about your collaborations with AR Rahman, let's set the mood for the show. Also, it is the Republic Day weekend, let's ask you to give a few lines from a song you sang for Rahman from the film The Legend of Bhagat Singh. I think you know which song I'm talking about.
Sonu Nigam: Yeah, yeah. (Sings Rang de basanti chola)
