His father's voice

Agam Kumar Nigam, father of Sonu Niigaam, talks to Anil Merani.

Agam Kumar Nigam, father of Sonu Niigaam, talks to

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Anil Merani

What’s with your fourth album

Woh Bewafa

?

It’s an album with 11 tracks.. the title track is already a big hit.

How come you’ve stuck to the Bewafa series?

Because it sells. People have told me that they identify with the video and the lyrics. Because of the recession, music companies have reduced the price of CDs.. that has helped.

The last

Bewafa

video had a lot of skin show.

Yes, and this time, I’ve tried to clean up the vulgar image I got because of that video. The videos now focus on everyday issues. The video of the title track has been directed by Divya Kumar Kholsa. It’s about misunderstandings in a marriage.

Are you planning to get into film playback singing?

Yes, of course, if I get an offer. I have the voice that the industry desperately needs. It’s quite sad that so many besuras are singing for films now-a-days.

But you’ve been around for more than six years now.. you never got a film playback offer?

When I first started singing Mohammed Rafi songs at stage shows years ago, there was no television exposure. I was based in Delhi then, so that was another problem. When I shifted to Mumbai with Sonu (Niigaam), I got busy managing his career. But everyone told me I should cut my own album since I have such a good voice.

What’s your take on reality shows?

They are very disappointing. Those who sing well are eliminated and those who can cry well get audience sympathy and win. Some of them even claim that they don’t need to do riyaaz. How unbelievable is that!

What do you think about Sonu’s singing at this point?

He is a very versatile singer. But like all the greats, he still has a lot to learn.

Why isn’t he singing enough these days?

It’s just that he isn’t getting the right songs. Also, he’s busy with international concerts. He is outside India for at least three months a year. But he has some excellent songs lined up this year.. so you’ll get to hear more from him.

Is your grandson Nevan as

surila

?

(Smiles) Maybe the third generation Nigam is around.