Sonu Nigam experiments with Haryanvi music with Chunni, says ‘We are not doing it to follow a trend’

Sonu Nigam. Pics/Instagram, Youtube

Music is at the centre of Sonu Nigam's world, no matter what he is doing. The singer recently illustrated this when he shared a video that saw him singing even as he was undergoing a surgery, giving fans a glimpse of his positive spirit during a difficult time. So, where is his love for music taking him now?

Towards Haryanvi songs. Nigam, who has established himself as one of Indian music's most versatile voices, is now exploring Haryanvi music with his latest single, Chunni. In this e-mail interview with mid-day, the singer shares what prompted him to experiment with the genre.

Excerpts from the interview.

What made you experiment with Haryanvi music at this stage of your career?
Today the rise of independent music worldwide is unbelievable. I was also told by my close ones from the industry, who keep me updated about the business that Haryanvi music is at its peak today. So, we collectively decided to do some classy and interesting music in the language.

A still from ‘Chunni'

You've built an iconic legacy with romantic ballads and soulful melodies. Was there any hesitation in stepping into a genre that's different from your signature sound?
It's a new genre for me indeed. But it's not too much of a departure from the pop music that I was a part of in the late 1990s and 2000s. The language, though I must say, needs a lot of careful detailing. I was ably assisted by Aamin Barodi, the composer and lyricist of the song.

Regional music and hip-hop are dominating the charts today. Is Chunni your way of embracing the evolving soundscape?
I loved the frolic in the beats and melody in Chunni. The next song that will be released is a complete contrast to Chunni. So, you'll notice we are not doing Haryanvi music to follow a trend. Jimmedari is a song that will shake you within when you understand the lyrics.

You recently battled a painful pinched nerve condition while continuing to perform. How are you feeling now?
I was truly touched by the outpouring of love and concern from so many people. I consider myself very fortunate. The pain was terrible. Thankfully, a magician of a physiotherapist from Delhi called Arvind Kumar cured me.

You've also opened up about the challenges you faced after speaking out for singers' copyright and royalty. Do you feel the industry has become more supportive of artistes today?
I have said this before: I realised that my purpose of coming into this world was not just making music, but also setting some things right for music and musicians. Thankfully the worst is over, and today there is substantial love and camaraderie between the music companies and artistes.

Sonu Nigam is set to kick off The Revolution World Tour, celebrating his 30-year career. The tour kicks off in the UAE this month before travelling to the UK, US, and Australia.