Indian singing icon Sonu Nigam, the ‘Lord of the Chords’, returns to Dubai for his 10th concert, Shukran Dubai 2011, at the Madinat Jumeirah Indoor Arena on November 7.
The show will be a four-hour Bollywood spectacular, as Sonu brings his 30-member troupe, specially choreographed with Bollywood dancers and musicians, to celebrate Eid.
“I am thinking about what to do,” said the performer. “I believe that whatever man does, it is the divine help that makes him successful. I am completing 10 years of outstanding performances here, but I can’t take the credit,” Sonu added.
“This year, I have put my best effort with new songs, a new format and new musicians. Still, I have to surrender to the divine power. People come to the concerts for good music and good vocals, I will try to convey that as long as I can,” he told City Times in an exclusive interview.
Back in India, Sonu has sung for upcoming Hindi films Krrish 2, a superhero sci-fi, and Joker, a fantasy adventure film in 3-D. He has also done The X-Factor India TV show as a judge in addition to his regular concerts.
Sonu specially mentioned the film Jal, for which he is composing music with famous tabla player/percussionist Bickram Ghosh. This is the first time the duo are composing for a Bollywood film. The title song is a unique composition, for which they have used ragas like Marwa and Puriya, combined with rare musical instruments like the Armenian Duduk. The entire song was created in a day. The film, starring Purab Kohli, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Kirti Kulhari, is directed by actor-turned-director Girish Malik. The storyline is about how people in Kutch go to great lengths to save water.
“You must listen to the music of Jal. It is melodious, meaningful, sensible music,” Sonu said. The release is scheduled for March-April 2012.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING PICKY
Sonu is known for his melodious songs and for being selective in what he wants to sing. “Most of them are melodious, but I can say that I have done all kinds of songs, even the ‘badmashi’ type. However, I select my songs properly,” he said.
“Recently, A.R. Rahman wanted me to sing a song. The lyrics of the song were terrible. I declined, with respect. Another singer has done that song. You can see, I am so cautious about my work. The legacy of the songs has to be built,” Sonu said.
But are the listeners’ attitude towards music and lyrics shifting from melody to “street” language?
“The audience are not to be blamed. They are hungry for music. They take what we give them. It is the musicians who are the ones who bring about change, whether for the good or for the bad,” Sonu explained.
“When I did the songs for Deewana, everybody liked them. If I sing dirty songs or hurt the religious feelings of people, some will say it is good work and some will say it is bad work. Both, good and bad music have their market. It is up to what we give to our audience,” he continued.
“Our job is to give good music to the people, but we must also respect the other people.”
EVENT DETAILS
What: Sonu Nigam concert
When: Monday, November 7
Where: Madinat Jumeirah Indoor Arena
Tickets: Ranging from Dhs200 to Dhs2,000, are available at the Madinat Jumeirah Theatre box office (04 366 6546)
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