Sonu Nigam shares his pre-concert routine, which begins from the moment he wakes up. He avoids socialising, practices on his tanpura, works out, and mentally prepares. He also opens up about extending his Hyderabad concert and recovering from severe back pain
Sonu Nigam
To an entire generation, if not more, Sonu Nigam has been the voice of Bollywood. They grew up on the singer’s different numbers and moods — as he serenaded them with Suraj Hua Maddham, made them dance with Bijuriya, or reflected their heartbreak in Tanhayee. Now, the lucky ones are reliving their favourite singer’s magic, as Nigam is on a seven-city tour with Satrangi Re.
mid-day caught up with the artiste days before his Ahmedabad show on December 21, as he opened up on how such concerts are demanding as well as gratifying.
Excerpts from the interview.
In the Satrangi Re concert series, you’re performing for three hours at a stretch. Is this the first time you’re fronting a show without additional performers?
It’s the first time that I have sung non-stop for three hours without any added singer or a break. Earlier, I did private concerts that lasted as long, but they were unplanned and happened because of people’s requests.
What made you extend your Hyderabad show by 30 minutes?
We had planned to extend the show because when we did the two-and-a-half hour show in Mumbai, we realised I didn’t have time to sing eight popular songs. I wanted to include them in the Hyderabad concert. While it’s not possible to include all the beautiful songs of my career, it’s my duty to incorporate at least some of the best.
Considering you had sprained your back earlier this year, how demanding are such concerts physically?
I sprained my back in February, and am fine now — no spasm or sprain. My job is musical, but also athletic. I have to take care of my fitness level. Sometimes I catch infections because of the weather or pollution, like I have right now, but I keep a check on my health and vocal prowess.
What do you do before stepping onto the stage for a show?
On the day of the shows, I don’t meet people or go out, however beautiful the place may be. For people, the show starts at 7 pm, but for me, it starts when I wake up. I start getting ready mentally, practice on my tanpura, and work out for an hour at the gym. Before the concert, I hold hands with my entire team, thank God and the audience as they are the reason that I am here. In my mind, it is a huge circle of people holding hands. I’m a little mad like that (laughs).
Mohammed Rafi
On December 27, Sonu Nigam will pay tribute to the legend, Mohammed Rafi, with a unique concert, ‘Sonu Nigam: Sau Saal Pehle – Rafi Sonu Ek Saath’, in Dubai. The singer shares, “It’s a different concept, which I need to do in India too [at some point].”
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