Sound with the right intent has healing powers : Sonu Nigam ...

Reader Kamakshi Khurana was delighted when her favourite singer Sonu Nigam crooned to her after a candid chat

After 14 years of tracking his musical journey, Kamakshi Khurana's dearest wish of meeting him comes true on a muggy May evening. On the second floor of his four-storey bungalow at Versova, just as we take up comfortable corners on the sofas, a fledging little pug toddles into the room. "Come here Santa... my baby," Sonu claps at the pooch scrambling towards his feet. He cuddles it until it calms down. His 24-year-old fan sits across him, awestruck. "This hasn't sunk in yet," she says, blushing. "I know. That's why I'm not talking to you until you feel comfortable," Sonu says, flashing a smile. "Since I was 10, I've followed every article that mentions you, attended all your Mumbai concerts and collected scores of pictures. I'm finally here. This is amazing," she says excitedly. A musical therapist and singer, Kamakshi plunges into her area of interest and asks Sonu if he believes sound has the potential to heal. Sonu explains, "Behind every sound you hear, there is a bigger sound of silence. But it is all about intent. Sound with the wrong intent is superficial. But sound with the right intent, from your soul, has healing powers." As Kamakshi reels off precise factoids on Sonu and his life's philosophy, the singer concedes, "She has definitely followed my life closely." The interaction takes an intriguing turn when she asks - what is that one thing he truly wishes for? Sonu treads spiritual ground, "To me, this life, all this is maya, a farce. If I am alive, then the world is alive for me. For when I die, whatever happens to anybody won't matter because I won't be here. If I'm happy, nothing bothers me. If I can see positivity and goodness inside me, I'm certain I'll see it outside as well." With all the acclaim he has garnered in his career, Sonu is arguably the most popular vocalist of the modern era. Kamakshi wonders how he has handled his adulation without letting it go to his head. "It got to me initially because I had a modest upbringing and I have been working (singing) since I was four. Too much fame at once is hard to handle. But I came around and learnt to appreciate it for what it was," Sonu says. What explains his recent reclusive streak? "In the last five-six years, I have done all that I can do. I wanted to travel more, sing less and think differently. I wanted to experience the wild side. There came a point where I didn't enjoy my life. Shuttling between studios and live shows, it had become dreary and mechanical. If that had continued, I'd have burnt out." Sonu says he has sung only a handful of songs in the last five years because he has consciously turned selective with his work. "That is because I can't work around mediocrity anymore. If I like a song offered to me and I share a good equation with the composer, only then I take it up." Kamakshi asks him about his son Neevaan and Sonu's eyes light up with pride. "He is a very happy child. I touch his feet in the morning because we are the same souls. He is a better version of me," he says. Another affable side of Sonu has been his flair for mimicking singers and music directors. For over a decade, he has wowed TV viewers with hilarious imitations of his contemporaries. As Kamakshi questions Sonu, he puts colour into the conversation by often swinging into side-splitting impressions of everybody from Nadeem-Shravan to Anu Malik. As the rollicking interview draws to an end, Kamakshi requests him to sing her favourite song from his solo album, and she joins him midway. Sonu then ends the evening with the Kal ho na ho title track. As we step out, Kamakshi is wide-eyed as she says, "I feel as if I’ve really grown as a person in those 90 minutes. He truly is as amazing a person as I had expected he would be."

Sonu Nigam's email id get hacked ...

Singer Sonu Nigam pressed the panic button when all his friends started receiving random emails, supposedly from him at a time when he was shooting for a TV show.
Nigam didn’t want to specify the content of the abusive mails but dismissed them saying that they were ‘unwanted’.
“The mails were sent to everybody on my address list. I want to apologise to everybody on my contact list — the mails were sent to my colleagues, my seniors and even to people I had not interacted for seven or eight years,” says Nigam.
The actor has regained control over his email ID and is considering informing the cyber crime cell of the Mumbai police.
“I have re-set my password and tackled all the security questions. But I still don’t know how many more people have received these mails supposedly from me. I want to clarify that I can never send such mails to them,” he added.

India's version of the X factor has launched with performances ranging from the amazing to the downright atrocious. But as one of many reality singing shows in India, can the format win over one of the world's largest television audiences?

A bad singer is a bad singer, no matter where you are in the world.
As contestants took to the stage for the opening auditions for X Factor India, viewers on Sunday night could watch a startling variety of hopefuls, who lived up to the show's trademark mix of the truly talented and truly appalling.

What marks out the Indian version of the show is the country's rich and diverse musical heritage, which saw performers try their hand at everything from Bollywood to Bhangra.

"We've had everything from 16 Rajasthani folk singers dressed in turbans singing in high-pitched voices to the soft voice of a 70-year-old man who has been brought up with the Bollywood traditions of the 1960s," says Sonu Nigam, one of the judges on the Indian show.
With the same theme tune, stage set, categories and editing style, the "look" of X Factor India is almost identical to that of its British predecessor.
 
India's Cheryl Cole?
But for those familiar with the original UK format, the similarities don't stop there.
Nigam is one of three on the panel of India's X-factor, all of whom are big Bollywood names. Nigam, who is one of India's most famous singing stars, is joined by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and playback singer Shreya Ghoshal.

All are veterans of the reality TV format, having starred on similar shows before. Bhansali was a judge on the Indian version of Strictly Come Dancing (Jhalak Dhikalaja).

And in a parallel to the UK's Cheryl Cole, Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal was also discovered on a reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - she used it as a launch pad for a successful singing career.

It was her appearance on that show which caught the eye of fellow judge Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who gave her a singing part on the Bollywood film Devdas, for which she won a Filmfare award (the Indian equivalent of the Oscars).

"Being a judge is a different ball game," says Ghoshal. "It's emotional to be on the panel with my mentor."
On the X Factor, it was Nigam who took centre stage on the judging panel, at times even joining contestants on stage as they sang. When one dejected contestant was turned down, she begged him for a hug, something he happily offered.

So do any of the Indian trio have any of the Simon Cowell put-downs? Nigam refused to be drawn on which of the judges, if any, would play the role of "Mr Nasty" on the panel.
"We could still be nicer, but we have to be honest. We are good at times, we are strict," he says.

India is a great country with good music. This X Factor should beat every other X factor in the world," he says.

The show, which is already available in 24 countries including Australia and Indonesia, is set to launch in China and the United States this year.

"We are looking for this show to be making all the difference because this is the largest and the biggest market for the show. It's 1.2bn people we are talking about," says Raj Barua, from Fremantle Media, the show's creators, in India.

Indian saturated reality
Mr Barua and his colleagues believe the growth and evolution of India's television market will make it a big success.

The show has taken more than a year of planning, says Barua. His colleagues at Sony TV, the network airing the show, hope it will fill a ratings hole left by the end of the Indian Premier League cricket season.
But the reality singing format is nothing new to Indian viewers.
As far back as the 1990s similar shows were airing on television. Meri Awaaz Suno (Listen to my voice), could lay claim to being one of the world's first reality singing shows, launching the career of Indian singer Sunidhi Chauhan.

In 1995, the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa show began. Arguably one of the most popular programmes on Indian television, it has a simple and familiar format, with contestants singing songs in front of a panel of judges before getting feedback.

Still on television now, the show has a number of spin-offs including a children's version, and shows in regional Indian languages. It is also popular with Indians around the world.
The first presenter of Sa Re Ga Ma was Sonu Nigam, who was later replaced by Aditya Narayan. Narayan is the current host of X-Factor. He is India's answer to the UK's Dermot O'Leary - his presenting style and mannerisms are identical.

Western formats like Pop Idol (Indian Idol), and Strictly Come Dancing (Jhalak Dikhhla Ja) are also popular here.

So will the X Factor win the approval of Indian audiences? Ratings for the current show are not yet out, but the calibre of the judging line up could help the show, says Jyoti Venkatesh, an entertainment journalist who has covered Bollywood for more than three decades.
Mr Venkatesh says the reality TV market is already saturated in India: "As of now, we've had enough of reality singing shows. Frankly speaking, there is no room for anymore, but you never know which one will break through and become a success," he says.

Sonu Nigam: 'My X-Factor is that I am myself...

Why the judges wanted to be a part of X Factor ...

X Factor India is all set to make its debut on Indian television after entertaining 24 countries and millions of viewers. The first episode will be broadcast on May 29 on Sony TV. The audition episodes will be seen throughout the week on all days at 9 pm from May 29 till June 4. In the week later the top 12 finalists will feature in Galas from June 10 onwards, every Friday and Saturday at 9 pm. The show will have three categories viz. 16-25 years of age, 25 years and above and also groups. There are three judges on the show Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and Sanjay Leela Bhansali will be allotted each category to groom. The show is looking for talent and assures to offer the audience a whole package consisting of vocal ability, charisma and stage presence.
Commenting on what made them want to be a part of this show the three judges cite their own reasons.
Sonu Nigam, “This is not a reality show but a music show. I have done so many shows that I had to at one point stop doing them. The last show I did was Indian Idol Season 2. I have been offered so many shows after that but I never took anything up as they were running after TRPs and would want me to stage fights and walkouts on my fellow judges. X factor is purely about singing and will offer a chance to those talented few who don’t get a chance. I used to sing at weddings in Delhi and used to be paid Rs 150 per day and even after collecting the tips used to take home Rs 250 a day. I have sat outside a lot of composer’s office for hours and hours before getting a chance for playback singing. This show will offer a chance to such talented people to make it big and showcase the talent which made me take up this show.”
Shreya Ghoshal, “I broke into the industry with one such show and this show is giving me a chance to reconnect with myself and remember those days when I was a kid who wore a frock and sang on stage. Also Sonu Nigam used to host that show and Sanjay ji gave me a chance to enter this industry. It’s a great emotional feeling to be a part of this show.”
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, “This show has changed me a lot. I have started talking more to people as I have opened up a lot. I never have worked with Sonu before and this was the first time we are on a show and I totally enjoy his company as he is very funny and entertaining. It’s great to see a girl who I had given a chance sitting next to me in the judge’s seat. My films are musical and that’s why I have probably been offered this show.”
With such talented judges we are hoping to see the bar raised for participants too.

Television industry gears up for some new reality shows ...

If you thought that your romance with television would end with the cricket season, think again! Televsion channels are making sure they lure in viewers and have the recipe in place.
Zee television is coming up with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Lil Champs, season 4 – this time called Music ka Gurucool – with musicians Kailash Kher, Adnan Sami and Javed Ali as the judges and singer Alka Yagnik as the mahaguru. Another new show titled Shobha Somnath Ki will be replacing the ongoing Jhansi ki Rani.
The date for its launch, however, is yet to be decided. Also packed in is a light-hearted family drama called Mrs Kaushik ki Paanch Bahuyein, which revolves around a strict mother in law on the lookout for the perfect bahu. Sa Re Ga Ma… will give way to another reality show on Zee titled Jaanbaaz – a reality stunt show – which will be hosted by actor Sunny Deol and will involve stuntmen of the film industry. The year end will see the third season of Dance India Dance too.

Sony TV too has a good mix of shows in place. The channel will kick off the much awaited X Factor on May 29. The show features singers Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Bade Acche Lagte Hain – a fiction show is one of the biggest launches for the channel which brings back on the small screen actors Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar. “We have very thoughtfully charted out an eclectic mix of shows for the rest of the year,” says Ajay Bhalwankar, Programming head of Sony entertainment. Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Kaun Banega Crorepati 5 and Jhalak Dikhla Jaa are some of other upcoming shows. With Hrithik Roshan debuting on TV with the reality show Just Dance, Star Plus seems promising too. Also in line is a love saga, Is Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon. Besides, the channel will be launching Surivor India and Master Chef India Season 2 towards the year end. Sister channel Star One has a dose of a reality TV to offer with Sach ka Saamna, season 4 – hosted by actor Rajeev Khandelwal. Colors promises some nail biting stunts with Khatron ke Khiladi, hosted by Akshay Kumar.
And balancing it will be a fiction show Hamari Saas Leela.
Imagine has Ratan ka Rishta with Hiten Tejwani as host. Dwaarkadheesh and Preeto are other shows in the fiction category.

Sonu Nigam Live at Celebrity Cricket League ...

Gear up for some celebrity action...
Just when one thought the cricket fever is coming to an end, the celebrity cricket teams from Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada film industries are getting set for their very own ‘Celebrity Cricket League’ (CCL).

Other film industries better watch out because namma Kicha Sudeep and his team of ‘Karnataka Bulldozers’ have been undergoing intense training for the last two months.
Ask any team member and he will tell you that their only aim right now is to win the cup.
Balancing both movies and cricket practice has been a challenge but the boys have not let anything come between their game.

Six in the morning at Palace Grounds, one can find all the team players assembling for their three-hour workout at the nets.

“We do some physical training for an hour-and-a-half, followed by an intense practice session on the field for another hour. This is rounded off with some more exercise,” says actor Dharma, one of the team members.

The preparations do not end here. A healthy diet plan and a couple of mandatory rules put forth by captain, Sudeep, has kept the team fit. “We can actually see ourselves changing both physically and mentally. Sudeep has instructed us not to party, drink or smoke till the league is over. As gruesome as it is, I feel it has made many of us lead a far more healthy lifestyle,” says actor Chiranjeevi Sarja, another player.

And that’s not all! Team owner Ashok Kheny has provided the team with high-end equipment and even appointed Ramakanth, an on-field doctor and physiotherapist, who has earlier been a consultant to the Indian cricket team.

“During practice, a lot of players tend to suffer from minor sprains and injuries, which need immediate attention. Ramakanth has been very helpful and even suggested some of the exercises that the Indian Cricket Team does before it hits the nets,” says producer Shankar Gowda, who is also a part of the team.

Almost every Sunday, the team plays against the Under 19 or Under 20 team and has been happy with the results.

“Playing against a professional team is tough as it really shows where we stand. We are really focussed on winning and want to put up a tough fight. At the end of the day, it’s not about the celebrities coming out to play for fun, it’s about the game,” explains Tharun Chandra, an all-rounder of the team.

After Amrutha Mahotsava, the CCL has provided another platform for the actors to come together. And the bonding between the boys is very evident.

Most of them have even been given nicknames. “Sudeep has named each one of us. As I love to dive and catch the ball, I am called the ‘Jonty Rhodes of the team’,” laughs Dharma.

Chiranjeevi adds, “I feel leagues like this are useful as they not only help us beat the stress, but also give us an opportunity to know our colleagues from other industries.”
Since the league will begin in Bangalore, the rest of the film industry is also expected to be headed towards the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

As part of the inauguration, Sonu Nigam will be giving an energetic performance.
There will be two matches –– ‘Chennai Rhinos’ vs ‘Telugu Warriors’ and ‘Karnataka Bulldozers’ vs ‘Mumbai Heroes’ –– at Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4.
So here’s looking out for some more cricket.

Cheers!!

No Love only laughter for Sonu Nigam ..

Sonu Nigam is all geared up for his second attempt as an actor. And this time not as a romantic lead.

The singer-turned-actor wants to explore his funny side, which he gave us a glimpse of at a recent award show.

He is adamant to sign only projects that are within the comdey genre and steer clear of romantic flicks. Although, the musician is on a week-long vacation in America, he is busy spending his time looking over four film scripts.

Our source told us, “Sonu is yet to sign the remake of Chashme Buddoor, as he does not have the script yet. He wants to be sure, before signing any film and does not want to make the same mistakes that he had made the first time around.”

Get ready for the X FACTOR ....

X Factor is the big daddy of all reality shows in scale and size, with versions in 24 countries and a unique format, which allows every contestant over the age of sixteen to enter the auditions.

Vishal Srivastava an auto rickshaw driver, a trained classical singer from a humble family in Delhi came to Mumbai with just one dream... to educate his wife and become a singer. Vishal who never got any support from his family as far as music was concerned, was insistent that one day he will make it big and surmount his dreams.

His perseverance and pure dedication helped him make his way and put up an exemplary performance in the presence of seasoned singers Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal and ace director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Vishal's moving performance left the three judges surprised and speechless. An emotional Sonu said, "If I would have been in your place, I wouldn't have been able to give such a performance like you did. Your dream for your wife will get fulfilled".

63 years old professional orchestra singer Rajendra Ghadvi has been singing for the last 40 years. An avid fan of Mohammed Rafi, auditioning for the first time, he entertained all the judges with a mind blowing performance on the very popular 'Tarif karoon kya uski' and took away all the praises.

A combination of great enthusiasm and zeal to do something big in his life supported Mr. Gadhvi to chase his dreams and come all the way without informing his family about this! First audition ever - Rajendra's performance left all astounded and he received a standing ovation from Judge Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Bhansali said, "You have been singing for the last forty years.

It has been a loss for the industry." Shreya was suitably impressed with his energy at this age. Sonu a big fan of Rafi Saab himself got nostalgic and told him to focus on training and pursue his dreams.

Another amazing performance came from the Taj group, a duo comprising of two friends 68 year old retired government employee Kartar Singh and 59 year old Shobhi a professor from Agra. It was surely a dream come true for the Taj group when Shreya told them, "You have a lot of 'shokhi, sur and romance in your voice... Dil abhi bhara nahi." Kartar who never got any encouragement from his family whenever he told them that he wanted to do something in life as a singer was floored when Sanjay Leela Bhansali praised him and mentioned, "Jitna Khoobsurat Taj hai, utni hi khoobsurat apki awaz". There is no turning back for these two who are determined to take the crown away.

That is not all, rigid hard work and willpower can take you where you want to be and this was proven right by the 'Soul of Punjab', a group of nine members each distinct from the other with one common bond, there passion for music.

The group put up a brilliant performance and got accolades from the judges. Shreya was so impressed with them, she heaped praises and commented, 'Itne auditions mein ye pehla dil se kiya hua performance tha, agar aaj decide karna hota toh main aaj hi aapko apne group mein le leti.' The judges felt that it was a performance that came from their 'soul'.

This is just a small peep into the Xceptional talent you will get to see in the show, as many more Xceptional singers each with a unique talent are waiting to come and entertain you only on X Factor India.

X Factor is the big daddy of all reality shows in scale and size, with versions in 24 countries and a unique format, which allows every contestant over the age of sixteen to enter the auditions. Divided in three categories 16-25 years, above 25 years and individual groups, unlike other reality shows, X factor is about providing bigger dimensions and bigger scope to all such people who dare to dream BIG and have been waiting for their dreams to come full circle! The panel of judges consists of the Xtraordinary trio, the dynamic Sonu Nigam a multitalented singer and an icon to millions of music lovers, the melodious, Shreya Ghosal along with the celebrated ace director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Singer and anchor Aditya Narayan will host the show.

So get ready to witness people come with their beautiful dreams in the show and see all those beautiful dreams gett fulfilled...as the biggest singing reality show X factor India is all set to hit Indian television screens on 29th May 2011.

'Lets Go For Glory' single out now ...

Singer Sonu Nigam is a proud man today. The singer's first international single has been released by Universal Music. This is the song that Sonu created for the ICC World Cup, which incidentally India won too!

The single titled " Let's Go For Glory" was first sung by the singer at the ICC World Cup opening ceremony in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Giving his comments about his first international release Sonu said, "I want to thank you all for blessing me. I wouldn't have been where I am had it not been for your constant belief in me. This is a small but very significant step for me. But this is a much more Universal song and I truly believe in. I pray that all of us, eventually Go For Glory!"

The singer also made a humble request to all his fans to not to download the song for free. He said, " I'd like to request my friends to make sure that the song is not circulated on free downloads. UMI will notice the power of my music only when the song is legitimately bought. Needless to say the more it's bought, the better we are positioned. It is truly crucial and pivotal for my music thus I am requesting you to Give me your Power."

Sonu Niigaam & Gourav Das Gupta forms a rock band ....

Sonu Nigaam is going to be going down a different path and it totally rocks! Yes, Sonu is joining forces with Gourov Dasgupta to form the hard rock band Nirvaan.

Gourov told us exclusively, "NIRVAAN, India's biggest rock band is coming soon, featuring SONU'god'NIGAM and GOUROV DASGUPTA!"

We have this exclusive shot of the two getting ready to ROCK check it out!

Sonu Nigam plays the lead role in Chashme Baddoor ....

Chintuji, Veer Singh, Santosh Duggal, Ali Beg and Bauji. This is the array of characters Rishi Kapoor has to his credit in recent times.

Ranging from a disciplinarian elderly Sikh to a middle class guy struggling to live up to his family’s expectations to even playing god, Kapoor has dabbled in a wide variety of characters.

And now to add to this assortment, he will play Lallan Mian, a Hyderabadi panwala with a typical accent in David Dhawan’s version of the 1981 film Chashme Baddoor.

After Rascals, David Dhawan is gearing up to remake the Sai Paranjpe directed classic. He had already signed Ali Zafar and Sonu Nigam for the lead roles. Rishi Kapoor is the recent addition to the team.

A source divulged, “Davidji is very excited about making this all time classic. The film was a super hit and started a new trend of small budget films with humour and romance.

Davidji has already finalised Ali Zafar and Sonu Nigam in the roles of Faroque Shaikh and Ravi Baswani, respectively. Now Rishi Kapoor will be playing the role of Lallan Mian. In the original film, Saeed Jaffrey played the role of a local panwala who would give cigarettes on credit to these young guys.

It was a parallel track along to the Faroque Shaikh and Deepti Naval romance. It is an interesting casting as Rishi Kapoor is known for his unique comic timing.”

David Dhawan remained unavailable for comments. But we hope with his sense of humour, Chintuji surpasses the original Lallan Mian. It will give us all the more reason to laugh!

Kirti Interviews Sonu Niigaam ...

Sonu Nigam's new car gets rammed into ......

Sonu Nigam bought a Range Rover Vogue last week and it's already been rammed into! The singer has an overzealous fan trying to get his picture, to blame.



Reveals a friend, "This Sunday, he drove the car accompanied by his manager to the Gateway of India to participate in a youth rally.

A huge crowd had gathered. On their way back, fans trailed him for a while on a motorbike, eventually crashing into the vehicle that arrived at his place just three days ago.

Adds the friend, "The guy driving the two-wheeler, got to his feet, fleeing the scene leaving his friend behind.

Though Sonu felt bad about his new car getting scratched, he also realised that the guy didn't do it on purpose.

So instead of screaming at him, he calmly told the guy who got left behind, not to risk his life like that. To the fan's surprise, Sonu also got a picture clicked with the guy before leaving."


The car in question

Sonu's manager wasn't as accommodating. He tersely confirms, "The paint from the rear of the car has come off and it has gone to the service center for repair. We still have to receive the bill. It will amount to nearly a lakh."

Sonu Niigaam wins the WOW Award ...

The WOW Paradigm, for the most breakthrough event in the year gone by, was presented for the XIX Commonwealth Games Ceremonies to Wizcraft International.

The glittering ceremony of Lemon Mobiles presents Gitanjali WOW Awards 2011 culminated in April at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The exclusive telecast of the award ceremony will be on SONY Entertainment Television on May 15, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.  The WOW Awards were instituted in 2009 by EVENTFAQS, to celebrate excellence in Events, Entertainment and LIVE Experience creation. Awards were given out in 25 categories of varied formats of events and experiences at the ceremony and as a new inclusion to the WOW Awards, LIVE Personalities were also acknolwedged at the ceremony. The title sponsor for the WOW Awards 2011 is Gitanjali, while Lemon Mobiles is the presenting sponsor. The WOW Paradigm, for the most breakthrough event in the year gone by, was presented for the XIX Commonwealth Games Ceremonies to Wizcraft International. The three wizzes, Sabbas Joseph, Andre Timmins and Viraf Sarkari, were present at the ceremony to accept their awards. The Gitanjali WOW Awards 2011 celebrated events in the likes of Sunburn in the Live Entertainment Event of Year category, The Star Parivaar Awards in the Televised Event of the Year category, The Global Indian Music Academy Awards and the NDTV Toyota Greenies won in the New Event of the year category, while CID Gallantry Awards and the Google Creative Sandbox won in the Event property by a Media Brand category. A special honour of the WOW LIVE Patron was presented to Mehul Choksi, Chairman of Gitanjali Group. Many LIVE platforms have seen the endorsement of Gitanjali Group's brands, and it is this unending support and belief in LIVE experience platforms, that was acknowledged through this award. The Gitanjali WOW Awards also acknowledged the LIVE performers that make an integral part of any LIVE event, celebration or experience. The WOW LIVE Personality is an acknowledgement from the Event and Experiential Marketing industry to those LIVE Personalities that truly make an event as buzzing as it should be. The personalities that warrant a media frenzy at events and create a connect with the audiences. WOW LIVE Personality honours were presented to Sunidhi Chauhan and Sonu Nigam in the Music segment and Mona Singh and Ronit Roy in the Television segment. Catch the best of the event and entertainment industry with a glittering line-up of artist performances, including, Sameera Reddy, Yana Gupta, Kailash Kher, Hard Kaur, Claudia Ciesla. That's not all, the ceremony also features a standup comedy act by Cyrus Sahukar and Ankur Tewari, a signature international act by Yogi's Angels and an act by TV sensations Diwakar - Sonia. The ceremony is hosted by the bubbly Mona Singh and humorous Vishal Malhotra. Catch glimpses of Yash Birla, Samir Soni, Anjana Sukhani,Tanisha Mukherjee, Nikhil Chinnappa, Sayali Bhagat and Shibani Kashyap, amongst others at the WOW Awards 2011 telecast only SONY Entertainment Television, this Sunday, May 15, at 8:00 p.m..

Maestros on one stage ....

MUMBAI: More than 100 musicians rejuvenated the golden era of 60s and 70s by playing live, to the evergreen compositions of the legendary musical duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, at Maestros 2011 on Saturday, 6th May 2011 in Mumbai.

The concert was a dream come true for music lovers, as the Legendary music director Pyarelal of the music duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal performed live after twenty years on 80 evergreen songs with Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sudesh Bhosle, Shail Hada, Srikant Kulkarni and Vabhavari Joshi and more than 100 musicians with 60 chorus singers on stage. The musical night recreated the magic of Laxmikant- Pyarela’s Unprecedented compositions as it included musicians who had composed the original song with the duo in the 70s playing live on stage.

RJ Anmol hosted Maestros 2011 and also present at the concert were singers L Subramaniam, Shweta Pandit, Actress Amrita Rao, Kunika Lall and others.

Receiving a standing ovation Pyarelal said, “It is a big day for the Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo. Today, all the songs of Laxmi will be played live with these 100 exceptional musicians on stage. The set up is just the same and reminds of the recordings in 70’s. I am very delighted and hope the show recreates the magic of the 70s.”

Kavita Krishnamurthy opened the concert by singing the popular song Main Khwabon Ki Shehzadi from Mr India.

Speaking on this occasion Kavita Krishnamurthy said, “I have worked with the duo for 20 years and performing with these 100 musicians makes me feel that I am recording with my musical family at the Mehboob Studio. Laxmikant and Pyarelal are my guru and whatever I am today is because of the finest songs given by them.''

Before singing the hit song "Jumma Chumma De De…" Sudesh Bhosle said, “While offering the song Laxmiji and Pyareji predicted that this song will ne a big hit and will change my life and fortunately they proved to be right. This song gave me a new identity, and whatever I am today it is because of this song.”

Siddhant, Sudesh Bhosle's son also presented one song and seeked the blessings of Pyarelal.

Presenting some of the immortal songs of Mohammed Rafi, Sonu Nigam said, "I feel lucky that I got a chance to sing with Laxmiji and Pyareji. During my struggling days whenever I passed from the houses of Laxmiji and Pyareji i used to bow my head as a mark of respect to them.”

Alka Yagnik who has won Two Filmfare Awards out of seven for Laxmikant-Pyarelal songs, mesmerized the audience with the favorite ‘Ek Do Teen’. Alka Yagnik said, “It is an honour to be on stage to sing Laxmikant-Pyarelal’s melodies. I am still learning music and will keep learning all my life but I can say that whatever I have learnt it is from Laxmikant and Pyarelal.”

Click here for the concert slideshow

More than 100 musicians rejuvenated the golden era of 60s and 70s by playing live, to the evergreen compositions of the legendary musical duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, at Maestros 2011 on Saturday, 6th May 2011 in Mumbai.
The concert was a dream come true for music lovers, as the Legendary music director Pyarelal of the music duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal performed live after twenty years on 80 evergreen songs with Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sudesh Bhosle, Shail Hada, Srikant Kulkarni and Vabhavari Joshi and more than 100 musicians with 60 chorus singers on stage. The musical night recreated the magic of Laxmikant- Pyarela’s Unprecedented compositions as it included musicians who had composed the original song with the duo in the 70s playing live on stage.
RJ Anmol hosted Maestros 2011 and also present at the concert were singers L Subramaniam, Shweta Pandit, Actress Amrita Rao, Kunika Lall and others.
Receiving a standing ovation Pyarelal said, “It is a big day for the Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo. Today, all the songs of Laxmi will be played live with these 100 exceptional musicians on stage. The set up is just the same and reminds of the recordings in 70’s. I am very delighted and hope the show recreates the magic of the 70s.”
Kavita Krishnamurthy opened the concert by singing the popular song Main Khwabon Ki Shehzadi from Mr India.
Speaking on this occasion Kavita Krishnamurthy said, “I have worked with the duo for 20 years and performing with these 100 musicians makes me feel that I am recording with my musical family at the Mehboob Studio. Laxmikant and Pyarelal are my guru and whatever I am today is because of the finest songs given by them.''
Before singing the hit song "Jumma Chumma De De…" Sudesh Bhosle said, “While offering the song Laxmiji and Pyareji predicted that this song will ne a big hit and will change my life and fortunately they proved to be right. This song gave me a new identity, and whatever I am today it is because of this song.”
Siddhant, Sudesh Bhosle's son also presented one song and seeked the blessings of Pyarelal.
Presenting some of the immortal songs of Mohammed Rafi, Sonu Nigam said, "I feel lucky that I got a chance to sing with Laxmiji and Pyareji. During my struggling days whenever I passed from the houses of Laxmiji and Pyareji i used to bow my head......

Sonu Niigaam flying high .......

Sonu Nigam is super thrilled. His song Let's Go For Glory that he sung at the opening of the World Cup 2011 has been released by a top American recording company.



"I had put my whole heart into that composition, and this appreciation is truly touching," he says. And that's not all; Sonu has also been composing music for a feature film called Jal, which focuses on saving the flamingos.

CS spoke to Sonu about his new project, his love for nature and the idea of singers promoting various causes.

In harmony
The film is based on water scarcity in Kutch, and the problems resulting from it. The director (Girish Malik) wanted a score that was very rooted and yet had an international feel. One of the best parts has been collaborating with Bickram Ghosh for the music. I am huge fan of Bickram. He is a fabulous tabla player and percussionist. We have also found a term for our music Muddy Electronica. It describes a kind of music that's western with a distinct Indian touch. We also have with us Shubha Mudgal, who is a superb singer.

One with nature
I am a crazy guy (smiles). I once disappeared in 2006 for seven-eight days without saying a word to anyone. I was trekking in the Nandadevi Biosphere savouring the wonderful sights of nature. Again in 2009, I told my wife that I needed to disappear for a while. I spent two months alone in the countryside in the US. Spending time with nature is a great form of 'me-time'. When I am surrounded by nature, I realise that music is not my profession, it's me. As I introspect further, I feel that the money, fame, awards, etc are just peripherals. The worldly achievements are just a part of the inner journey into the world of music. Well, I haven't had much time for a break recently but I'm soon planning to head to Ranthambore National Park for a wildlife holiday.

Singing for a cause
Well, no one has approached me to sing for any particular cause till date. Recently, when Kailash (Kher) sang in support of Anna Hazare, I felt it was a wonderful gesture. He behaved like a true Indian citizen who believes in putting his best for his country. Sadly, there are many singers both in India and abroad who use social causes as publicity vehicles. This hurts me a lot. I have sung for various issues right from anti-dowry to AIDS to women's causes, but I don't like to talk about them. However, if someone approached me to compose some music or sing for tiger conservation, I would do it instantly.

Sonu Niigaam visits Aadesh Shrivastava ....

Music composer Aadesh Srivastava is going through the tough phase of his life as he is diagnosed with cancer but what mentally broken down Aadesh the most is his isolated by his Bollywood friends with whom he has worked together for years. They did not feel to pay him a visit or asked about his well being.

Aadesh said, "Falling ill so suddenly was traumatic. But the cold-shoulder treatment I got from the people with whom I've closely worked with for years, has caused me even more damage than the disease itself. Nobody came to visit me after I fell sick."

Aadesh had to sell his favourite Hummer car to pay the hospital bills. He told us, "I sold it at a throwaway price. I wanted my family to be with me. I'm a very emotional person. If a friend needs me, I will run at 2 am to help.

Where were all my friends during the worst time of my life?" Counted people from the film industry came to see him like singer Sonu Niigaam, Shaan, Shekhar Suman lyricist Prasoon Joshi and director J.P. Dutta. Among the actors who visited ail Aadesh are the Bachchans, Preity Zinta, Shilpa Shetty.

Aadesh Srivastava diagnosed with this dreaful disease during at the GIMA awards. Recalling the miserable day of his life, he said, "It was at the GIMA awards that I felt unusually fatigued. I couldn't see through my right eye. The next day I was told to go for a blood test. That's when my cancer was discovered."

Best Of Sonu Niigaam out now ...

An album for all the fans and music lovers is out now on Times music... " The best of Sonu Niigaam "

Tracklist :-

1. Ekla Chalo

2. Desh ki Mitti

3. Tu Mila De

4. Neene Bari Neene

5. Tumse kya Kehna

6. Rang Rang

... The album will be available on Amazon and iTunes ....

Enjoy!!

Sonu Niigaam's tribute to legend Md. Rafi once again ....

*Pyarelal to perform live after 20-years in Mumbai

*Sonu Nigam, Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy,Sudesh Bhosle and others to perform



Versatile singer Sonu Nigam who idolized the evergreen Mohammad Rafi and used to sing in his voice, has planned to recreate the magic at the Concert - A Musical Journey Of Maestros, on 7th May, 2011 at Andheri Sports Complex, Mumbai.



Legendary music director Pyarelal of the music duo Laxmikant-Pyarelal, is set to perform live after twenty years. In order to revive the magic of the legend, Sonu suggested Pyarelal to organize more of these shows. To make the show spectacular more than 100 musicians will be performing live on stage with 60 chorus singers.



Along with Sonu other singers such as Alka Yagnik, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Sudesh Bhosle, Shail Hada, Vibhavari Joshi and Shrikant Kulkarni will also enthrall the audience with the chartbuster songs composed by Laxmikant -Pyarelal from their evergreen hit films.



Talking about the show Pyarelal said, “The team of Laxmi-Pyare has always believed in team work which will be evident in this show. Our entire team has worked very hard for this show. Even while doing the song selections for this show we had long discussions with our singers and musicians. Indeed it was the tough task to select the songs .While doing the preparations for this show I became nostalgic and started remembering the memories associated with the creation of each song.”

Sonu Niigaam is giving Sachin a run for his money ...

Sachin Tendulkar is not the only person who has one million followers on his micro blogging site.

TOI has learnt that acclaimed singer Sonu Niigaam too has got a million followers and has in fact beaten Sachin on another social networking platform. "I'm not even that active on it. I got to know about this feat a week back and I was overwhelmed by the love and support that people of India and my fans from across the globe have been showering me with. It is a big honour to receive.

Actually Shyama Govind who is like my sister keeps a tab on my site. I have promised myself that I'm going to be more active and keep in touch with my fans more after this feat," Sonu told us. The singer has 1,035,088 followers (as of Tuesday noon) compared to Sachin's 1,025,282 followers.