Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam has opened up about the dynamics between actors and singers in the film industry, shedding light on the challenges faced by vocalists. In a recent interview with Zoom Entertainment, he shared his perspective on actors not actively advocating for the singers they respect, highlighting the importance of such support.
Sonu Nigam, known for his melodious voice and iconic Bollywood songs, particularly those associated with Shah Rukh Khan, offered valuable insights into the industry's workings.
The Missing Advocacy from Actors:
Sonu Nigam expressed his belief that actors, while they may have preferences for particular singers, do not typically intervene in the selection process. He candidly stated, "I don’t think actors fight or interfere with singers in their films. If that was the case, I would still be singing for Shah Rukh Khan." According to him, actors generally consider singing choices as the domain of the composer and director, offering their preferences but not actively advocating for specific singers.
Singing for "Laal Singh Chaddha":
The interview also touched on Sonu Nigam's recent collaboration with Aamir Khan for the movie "Laal Singh Chaddha." It was reported that Aamir Khan insisted on Sonu Nigam's involvement in the film. Sonu revealed that Aamir, being both the producer and actor, played a pivotal role in securing his participation.
When Rajkumar Hirani Stood Up:
Sonu Nigam shared a memorable incident from the film "PK," where he sang the song "Bhagwan Hai Kahan Re Tu." He faced resistance from music companies that did not want him to sing the track. However, it was director Rajkumar Hirani and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra who firmly supported his selection, asserting, "Sonu hi gaayega (only Sonu will sing this song)." This incident exemplifies the rare instances when filmmakers stand up for their chosen singers.
Sonu's Prolific Career:
Sonu Nigam's career spans across decades, encompassing a multitude of chart-topping Bollywood songs and dominating the indie-pop scene in the 90s. He has contributed immensely to the world of music, including several memorable songs for Shah Rukh Khan in films like "Pardes" and "Dil Se."
His recent single, "Bitter Betrayals," in collaboration with Gulshan Kumar and Bhushan Kumar, has garnered a positive response from audiences. In discussing the project, Sonu Nigam expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from the music industry.
As one of India's most celebrated playback singers, Sonu Nigam continues to captivate audiences with his soulful voice and enduring musical contributions. His reflections on the industry's dynamics offer a valuable perspective on the challenges faced by singers and the role of actors in advocating for their preferred vocalists.