'The world is not as bad as you think'
Sonu Nigam is just what he looks like -- sincere and charming. And he has a great sense of humour. The talented singer, who is currently riding the pop charts, officially announced on the Rediff Chat that he is quitting Sa Re Ga Ma. But as a compensation, he promised his fans that there will be more albums in future. Even as he tackled all the questions that came his way, the smile never left his face, even once.
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:45 IST)
Sorry, people I'm late, had a recording. I'm ready for the interview:-)
RohitTheGreatestSonuFan (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:28 IST)
Since you have not come in yet, I'll take this opportunity to ask the other questions that I have in my mind...How does it feel like working with Rahman.. Have you worked with him before Satrangi, in any other movie, in any other language ?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:47 IST)
RohitTheGreatestSonuFan: It feels great to work with all the music directors. And to work with Rahman is also a very memorable experience as contrary to people's belief, he doesn't trouble the singers or interfere in their work much. And leaves a lot to the singer's own creativity.
Twinks (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:1 IST)
Sonuuuuu, do you think ur good looks are responsible in some way for your success?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:50 IST)
Twinks: Yes my good looks, if at all I have them, are a blessing of God and whatever I have achieved till now is a gift of God. Looks, music and brains are all responsible for a person's success. And the whole world knows it's God who gives it all to every human being. I mean we have no control or say in his will.
Anya (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:0 IST)
Hey Sonu!:-) who is your fav singer???? In western and in Indian :)????
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:52 IST)
Anya: My favourite Indian singers are undoubtedly the great Mohd Rafisaab and Lataji and among western singers I like Whitney Houston, George Michael, Michael Bolton, Cliff Richards, Mariah Carey and many more.
Sasha (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:10 IST)
Sonu, hey I came to know that you were having some problems with T-series over the name problem for your album Gar mera bas chalay (as u wanted your album to be named this)
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:57 IST)
Sasha: You have the right information, but in the wrong context. My first album that came in 1997 was supposed to be named Gar mera bas chale initially. But unfortunately some people in T-Series interefered a lot and as a result, I had no say in anything regarding the release and publicity of that particular album which was finally named Sapnay Ki Baat. I was pretty disappointed with the treatment I recieved at that time and as a result shifted my loyalties to Magnasound. But recently during Deewana, the T-Series people showed a lot of concern for me as a result of which I had to come back to them for my new album, Jaan.
Crazzyy (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:50 IST)
SONU WHAT'S UR NEXT RELEASE?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:57 IST)
Crazzzy: You are really crazy! Haven't you heard of Jaan? It's too early to predict my forthcoming album but as elders say 'Jaan hai to jahan hai :-)
Sasha (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:8 IST)
Sonu is from Delhi, he was born there, then came to Mumbai once, then went back, then came again and established himself as a good talented singer -- am I right Sonu?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:0 IST)
Sasha: I was born in Faridabad, then went to Delhi, then went to Bombay, then came back to Delhi and then went back to Bombay - How did you like that one!!!
Priyanka (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:53 IST)
WHICH COLLEGE WERE U IN?
Rabia (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:55 IST)
Sonu, please reply to me quick. I am in California, so it is only 2AM here. When is the next time you are coming to San Francisco?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:0 IST)
Rabia: Maybe next year... Priyanka: I did my college through correspondence...
Bhavana (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:0 IST)
Whatz ur dream? Reply.
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:4 IST)
Bhavana: My dream is to see the entire world as a state of utopia, where everyone is at peace and harmony there is nothing like religion to divide people into groups and sects, where everybody respects everybody else's identity as a human being. And nobody needs to fear anybody, but I think it will never become a reality:-(
Chandrima (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:1 IST)
Dear Sonu bhaiya, waited for u a long time. Pleaaaaase give a reply at my e-mail. Good luck for your future.
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:5 IST)
Hey Chandrima, are you Rinka? If yes, there's no need to waste time on the Net, let's talk on the phone later. Bye:-)
Divya Wadhwani (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:3 IST)
Please, if possible, answer whether yours is gonna be a LOVE OR ARRANGED marriage?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:7 IST)
Divya: Love marriage.
Ksonal (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:7 IST)
Sonu, what according to u is necessary to come up in life?
Sweety (Thu Feb 24 19100 1:56 IST)
Hello Sonu, What is your real full name?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:14 IST)
Ksonal: Nothing except God and a clean benevolent heart. Sweety: Amitabh Bachchan.
Khushi (Thu Feb 24 19100 0:19 IST)
Hi, Sonu! I am great fan of yours! I like your voice! I am learning classical music from last 12 years! At this stageI am 16. Please tell me something about your hobbies.
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:14 IST)
Khushi: You have a cute name though. The list of my hobbies 1) Reading books on general knowledge, philosophy, current affairs, poems, quotations, humour and biographies. 2) Working out in the gym thrice a week. 3) Playing table tennis and badminton whenever I get time (once a year) 4) Playing keyboards and composing songs 5) Face reading 6) Watching movies whenever I'm abroad. 7) To sit cosily in my bed with my two pretty sisters around and chatting with them.
Vardini (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:7 IST)
Hi! Sonu, what do you have to say about Deewana, the most popular album, not getting an award??
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:13 IST)
Vardini: Your asking this question in this chat makes me feel you felt bad too! If that's the case you have given me my award. Thanks:-)
Arti (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:14 IST)
Alright is it my name. Do you not like it, is that why u are not answering. How tall are you?
Kalyan (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:20 IST)
Sonu, what is the best you like about hosting Sa Re Ga Ma? Which musical legend did you enjoy meeting the most? Any interesting incidents?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:22 IST)
Arti: You have an ok name don't worry!!! How tall I am?? Keep guessing!
Kalyan: You seem to be complaining like girls! As for Sa Re Ga Ma, the best thing about that programme is an opportunity to meet the music maestros and living legends of India and knowing them from so close. Secondly, I get a chance to meet the aspiring, upcoming music generation of the future. As far as incidents go, there are too many to recollect but I loved the way the great Mehdi Hassansaab blessed me and praised me in front of the audience in London. When he was touched by the fact that I was personally removing his shoes from his feet whenever he had to sit down to sing. Blessings like these, so warm so sweet and so pure, are SO REAL!
Bharti (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:19 IST)
Why did the Filmfare award elude u this time considering that you had some fantastic numbers? Is it because one has to rub on the right side of this people who give out awards?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:24 IST)
Bharti: I am as ignorant about the secret to get awards as you are. The day I grasp the strategy, I'll leak it out.
Into (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:22 IST)
Hi Sonu, how are you?Well you are a great singer & you always sing my very much favorite MHD RAFI, it's great as I have all your album of his. Can pls reply back to me it would a great pleasure. I'm a Chinese female born in India. My name is Into shortform for INDIA
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:25 IST)
Hi Into, thanks for your intro, may god bless you and please keep in touch with my music:-)
LAVINA (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:23 IST)
DEAR MR SONU NIGAM, I WAS VERY HAPPY TO HEAR YR COMMENTS ON MOVERS & SHAKERS REGARDING AWARDS & JOURNALISTS. IF U WERE TO ASK ME, I FEEL U DESERVE EVERY AWARD U R NOMINATED FOR. BUT DON'T U THINK THAT THE GENUINE LOVE & AFFECTION U RECEIVE FROM MILLIONS OF WELL WISHERS THE WORLD OVER SORT OF COMPENSATES FOR THE AWARDS?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:29 IST)
Lavina: Thanks Lavina, for apreciating my remarks on this subject, initially I used to feel that awards are a necessary morale booster, but now I have realised they are so shortlived and temporary that they hardly exist for a year, just like a steroid. Whereas the love and appreciation and blessinngs coming out of the hearts of millions in and out of the country is like natural nutrition which gives you the strength to work more honestly and effeciently.
Manoj (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:25 IST)
Hello Sonu! Couldn't you disclose your marriage plans? You'll positively get rid of lots of baby-phones & sexy e-mails. Isn't it. Manoj at manrtn@rediff.com
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:31 IST)
Manoj: There is nothing to disclose. I'm not marrying anybody presently. As far as baby phones and sexy e-mails you're talking about I really enjoy them;-)
Meena (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:25 IST)
Sonu, will you please answer my this question. Any such incident which has changed your life?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:37 IST)
Meena: Life keeps on changing everyday, every moment, but one incident which has left a very deep impact in my life is my sister Meenal's weddding! It was the first time I had seen a marriage happening in my life. A marrriage which was almost conducted by me, it is such a painful feeling to see your own sister (or for that matter your own daughter) to leave your house and family technically forever and let her go to another house, another family, that also in front of the whole world, infront of God. Oh God!!! I remember all the nice and pleasant times I spent with my younger sister when we were kids and witnessed the end of a 25-year-old association because from that day onwards she would always be a guest when she comes to our house and so would we when we go to her house.
Ritusony (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:32 IST)
SONUji please answer, r u a typical LEO? LUV SONY
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:44 IST)
Ritusony: I'm a Leo
CRAZZYY (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:5 IST)
SONU, IS IT TRUE THAT U INSULTED JAGJIT SINGH IN THE MEGA-FINALS SHOOTING OF SA RE GA MA????? I AM NOT SAYING IT, THE NEWSPAPER SAID THIS AND IF IT IS FALSE, U SHOULD TAKE ACTION AGAINST THEM.
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:45 IST)
Crazzy: I did not insult Jagjit Singh in London, but there was a slight misunderstanding as he was intruding in between while I was making one of my very emotional announcements and I had only asked him to let me complete my announcement and then intervene. He did feel bad about it, but later on I think he realised he was overreacting. I respect him a lot and have met him a lot of times after that incident. There has been no illl-feeling whatsoever between both of us. Talking about the newspapers writing this story in a over dramatised fashion, this is their bread and butter, therefore, they have to add salt and pepper into it. I don't care a damn!
Arti (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:43 IST)
Hey Sonu, what kind of husband do you think you will make? Are you the real devoted and romantic type?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:46 IST)
Arti: Ya.
Suchita (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:43 IST)
Sonu, how much fan mail do u get in a single day?
Nandini (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:18 IST)
hey Sonu! I saw ur first show in BAHRAIN. Weren't u supposed to have a show TODAY IN DUBAI?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:48 IST)
Suchita: 25-30 mails per day at an average... Nandini: the Dubai show has been postponed to the next month.
SHALINI (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:46 IST)
JUST SAY HI THAT WILL BE ENOUGH!
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:49 IST)
Hello Shalini.
Shireen (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:47 IST)
What are your furure plans? I know that I stopped planning in early times, but still what do u have in mind that u will teach children music in your old age or what????????????????
zzzz (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:48 IST)
R u starring opposite Priety Zinta in a film by Tips??
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:53 IST)
zzzz: No... Shireen: No plans as yet made for the future but in order to be capable enough to teach children when I am old I need to learn more and I plan to continue learning in the future.
Ritusony (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:46 IST)
THANKS A LOT THIS IS RITU FROM HYD I KNOW U R A TYPICAL LEO but tell me do plan to make another video of JAAN? RITU
Sapana (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:49 IST)
Do you surf on the internet a lot? Do have plans to have your own website soon?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:56 IST)
Ritusony: You are gonna see a second video of Jaan very soon on television... Sapana: I surf on the internet whenever I get the time not too often and my website is under construction these days.
Renu (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:46 IST)
Hai Sonu. What is your b'day? When are you coming to Calcutta? What is your e-mail address?
SONU (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:46 IST)
I HAVE TRIED CHATTING TO U WITH THREE DIFFERENT IDENTITIES, BUT MIGHT BE U R TOO BUSY TO ANSWER UR FANS QUESTION, HENCE I CALL IT QUITS NOW. BYE AND ALL THE BEST.
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:58 IST)
All the best to you also Sonu... Renu: sonunigaam@rediffmail.com, my birthday is 30th July, god knows when I'm coming to Calcutta.
Rabia (Thu Feb 24 19100 3:58 IST)
I know one of your sister's name is Meenal. What is the other's name?
Kalyan (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:3 IST)
My last attempt: Sonu, do you know about the music newsgroup RMIM? Do you read it? Recently someone complained in RMIM that many of the contests in Sa Re Ga Ma are fixed, that the selection of participants isn't above board and that Gajendra pressurises the judges into letting someone win. Any truth to that?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:3 IST)
Rabia: The other's name is Neekita and my head is resting on her lap right now... Kalyan: It is a very individual opinion whether the selection of participants is upto the mark or not. But one thing is for sure, Gajendra doesnt pressurise anybody and if that was the case then dignified and legendary judges like Anil Biswas, O P Nayyar, Naushad, Pandit Ravi Shankar etc etc would have never given their consent to appear on my show. So my dear friend the world is not as bad as you think.
Rabia (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:0 IST)
In ur email address, do you have 1 or two "a's" in Nigam? Is it Nigam or Nigaam?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:5 IST)
Rabia and everyone: it's sonunigaam@rediffmail.com with two As.
Sapana (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:2 IST)
How old are you sisters? Where you born in 1973?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:6 IST)
Sapana: No age discussions please.
Bharti (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:5 IST)
What r the chances u will ans the emails??????????????? Be honest.
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:8 IST)
Bharti: 1 is to 100 if there are too many! So don't have ego problems if I don't reply, but be sure of one thing I'll read them.
Preeti (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:11 IST)
I had come to Planet M to meet you. I had missed my office. There was such a huge crowd that I could not ask the only question -- "What is your real name?" And "Are you a Sindhi"? Hope you reply it today.
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:12 IST)
Preeti: As I said earlier, my real name is Mahatma Gandhi!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-) I'm not a Sindhi but my mom knows the language very well and incidentally most of my close friends are Sindhis.
Priyanka (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:12 IST)
SONU ALL I CAN SAY IS HAD A LOT OF DISILLUSIONMENTS ABT U. I SAT WITH A MIRROR AND CAME UP WITH BROKEN GLASS PIECES. BYE
Kalyan (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:12 IST)
Last question from me: Who is your favourite composer? And finally my blessings to you.
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:15 IST)
Kalyan: I can't tell you who is my favourite composer, thanks for the blesings... Priyanka: You need not be disillusioned as there are so many questions to be answered that it's difficult. Anyway lots of love to you.
Sapana (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:15 IST)
Are you a vegetarian?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:16 IST)
Sapana: I'm vegetarian on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays amd on any other day my mom wants me to :-)
Divya Wadhwani (Thu Feb 24 19100 2:34 IST)
Hi Sonu! This is Divya from Mumbai. I'm a great fan of yours and that's the reason I'm here today to have a chat with you. Today I've missed a marriage party just for it. So please tell me something about your personal life. How many of you'll are in the family?
The Nani (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:15 IST)
Which country that u haven't visited so far would u like to visit??
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:19 IST)
Divya Wadhwani : Currently we are four, my parents and my youngest sister Neekita, the second sister Meenal has just got married last year..... The Nani: I would love to go to Greece, Egypt and New Zealand.
Rits (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:18 IST)
HEY SONUJI WHAT KIND OF FOOD DO U LIKE???
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:20 IST)
Rits: Indian and Oriental.
Shireen (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:24 IST)
I CAME TO KNOW THAT U R ALSO COMPOSING MUSIC FOR THE NEW TALENTS. I THINK BABLA IS ONE OF THEM. MAY I KNOW OTHERS NAME? AND 4 HOW LONG U WILL KEEP COMPOSIN MUSIC 4 OTHERS
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:27 IST)
Shireen: It's not Babla, its Babul Supriyo, the album is being worked on right now, can't say when it will get over.
Cutebaby (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:25 IST)
I m in Bangkok, Thailand... was wondering when are u going to come here?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:31 IST)
Whenever you call me cutebaby;-)
Love (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:30 IST)
SONU, Y R PEOPLE GOSSIPING ABOUT U & KAVITA PAUDWAL?
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:33 IST)
Love: People used to gossip about me and Kavita, though the fact remains that we are not even on talking terms.
Sapana (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:23 IST)
What languages do you speak, Sonu!!!
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:33 IST)
Sapana: Hindi, English and a little bit of Punjabi
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:33 IST)
Anyway guys it's been nice knowing all of you through Sa Re Ga Ma and today on rediff.com Chat. By the way, don't be shocked as you are the first ones to officially know that I AM QUITTING SA RE GA MA. Before you ask me WHY?.......I'd like to say MERI MARZI!
Shireen (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:33 IST)
CAN I KNOW THE ALBUM'S NAME SUNG BY UR DAD AS I REALLY WANT TO LISTEN TO HIM, SHOMAILA
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:36 IST)
Shireen: My dad is reluctant to come out with a private album though I want him to, someay I will be able to convince him. And then you'll come to know.
Love (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:35 IST)
SONU WHICH R UR MOVIES U ACTED IN WHEN U WERE A KID?????????????
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:42 IST)
Love: Kaamchor, Ustadi Ustad Se, Betaab, Humse Hai Zamana, Taqdeer, Krishna Krishna, Sachi Ibadat.
Sonu Nigam (Thu Feb 24 19100 4:45 IST)
Dear chatters, it's a Thursday and I'm shocked to see that none of you have anything important to do than to chat with me on this weekday. Anyway I really do appreciate it, I'm sure you all have taken out time for this, I hope I can get this opportunity again to be in touch with you, you're gonna see and hear a lot of me, in the coming year, God willing, through my songs and my videos and I would try my level best to do quality work. Thank you very much. God is great. JAI MATA DI. Sonu Nigam.
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