A singer's search for fresh notes
Sonu Niigaam, who has several hits to his credit, is working on a musical project in the US besides judging a reality show
There was a time when he was the voice behind every other hit Bollywood song but now Sonu Niigaam says he wants to chart a new course. He's working on a musical project in the US and judging a children's show aimed at bringing Indian and Pakistani children together through music.
"I want to do something different now. I have recently returned from Los Angeles. I am working on a musical project there," Niigaam said, explaining his irregular presence in the film industry.
"In India everybody knows me but that's not the case in the US. That's why I want to release a song there.
"I am working on a few other collaborations as well but won't be able to reveal details just yet," added Niigaam, who is known for chartbusters such as Sandese Aate Hain (Border), Yeh Dil (Pardes) and the title songs of Kal Ho Naa Ho and Saathiya.
Niigaam gained popularity as a host for the music show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in the 1990s and he returns to the small screen — this time as a judge.
Catch them young
The singer will be judging the music reality show Chhote Ustaad 2, which will feature ten children from India and ten from Pakistan, along with Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.
"I did get offers for shows earlier but I didn't like them much. This one is more musically inclined and also sends a wonderful message of love and peace across the border," Niigaam said.
"Children have an impressionable mind; inculcating positivity and a sense of brotherhood in them at a young age will result in a great future. It's a good initiative and I hope people will appreciate it," the singer added.
Besides his new ventures, there is something else Niigaam is proud of — his 3-year-old son Nevaan. Niigaam, who got the gift of music from his father, singer Agam Kumar Niigaam, says his son not only sings but has already turned composer.
"He sings and dances all the time. He has composed three songs," Sonu said.
The 36-year-old singer married Madhurima on February 15, 2002, and they had a son on July 25, 2007.
"It's not that he has become musically inclined now. Nevaan used to sing in the same pitch as I since he was 8 months old. It is unbelievable but true," Sonu said.
