
'I was not born to a classical maestro'
Sonu Nigam has his own rules for life and that helps him find time to do something out of the ordinary. The singer has cut a classical album that releases on February 11, despite not having formal training in that genre. He speaks to HT City.
You are back with a private album, a classical one, after three years…
I just wanted to do something more substantial. After my last album, Chanda Ki Doli, I thought I should do something beyond Indipop and popular music and have come up with the album Classically Mild. (Laughs) When I get old and am unable to exercise my vocal chords, I can say that this is the kind of work I did when I was young.
Do you still maintain that you would quit singing?
I never said that I will quit singing. I said that I will sing fewer songs, which I am doing. For three years I have been doing quality songs. Irrespective of the fate of the films, my songs have always had an impact.
What better compliment can a singer ask for?
Whether it’s
Jaan-e-Maan,
Salaam-e-Ishq or
Khoya Khoya Chand, my songs have been appreciated despite the films not working. They are not played in the promos or on the music channels but still people have liked them.
Wasn’t doing a classical album like proving yourself once again?
I was not born to a classical maestro. My father was into light music and children generally learn what they grow up with. However, classical music was always my point of interest.
This album helped me train myself.
Classically Mild has been produced keeping the commercial aspect in mind. Thus, it also has jazz-fusion. I have to satisfy the audience that has earlier loved my work. From popular music, if I move straight to abstract, it will not appeal to anybody.
You have gone bare-chested in the music video…
(Laughs) It’s a classical album and the concept was to create a mythological character. How can a mythological character come on screen in a suit? So I had to be bare-chested. The video also has an appeal in itself because it’s a blend of Lord Krishna and Greek mythology.
What about films?
Who wouldn’t give films a try living in India? However, I did films only after producers and directors approached me. Like songs, films also need to have quality.

BTS: Jungkook dyes his hair blue and ARMY is convinced his mixtape is on its way
- BTS singer Jungkook took to Twitter and shared a selfie flaunting his blue hair. The singer caused a frenzy among fans and left a few wondering if the hair colour change has something to do with his mixtape.

Ayushmann, Diljit, Kapil mourn Punjabi singer Sardool Sikander's death
- Renowned Punjabi singer Sardool Sikander died on Wednesday. Several Punjabi and Bollywood celebrities remembered him on social media.

BTS perform Telepathy, Blue & Grey on MTV Unplugged, cover Coldplay's Fix You
- BTS served a treat for their fans as they appeared on the recent episode of MTV Unplugged. RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook performed two tracks from their album BE, Telepathy and Blue & Grey, while covering Coldplay's Fix You.

Daft Punk break up after 28 years, internet mourns with memes

BTS: RM jams to Justin Bieber's song; Jungkook, V heap praises in Bangtan Bomb
- A new Bangtan Bomb was released today which saw RM vibing to Justin Bieber's Where Are U Now, Jin reciting Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars and Suga revealing which member he wants to give his photo card to.

Shehnaaz Gill, Badshah all set to collaborate on a music video shot in Kashmir
- Bigg Boss 13's Shehnaaz Gill and popular rap singer Badshah are working together on a new song. Both took to their respective social media handles to share the news.

BTS members come together for a fun chat as BE Essential Edition releases

Pawri Ho Rai Hai goes viral: Yashraj Mukhate says, ‘Things on which I put too much mind don’t really work’

Shweta Pandit is confused as 'Shweta your mic is on' becomes Twitter trend

Happy bday J-Hope: RM, Suga wish rapper as he struggles to chat live with fans

Rihanna sparks new outrage in India with topless pendant photo
- Rihanna's new topless photo, in which she is wearing a pendant of a deity around her neck, has sparked major outrage in India. She has been accused of hurting religious sentiments.

The only democratic platforms to publish music now are digital platforms: Vayu

Neha Kakkar, Rohanpreet sing, dance, play with baby at a friend's wedding. Watch
- Singer couple Neha Kakkar and Rohanpreet Singh were reportedly at a wedding in Delhi recently. Videos from the party have been shared online. Watch them here.

Nepotism doesn’t guarantee success: Akasa
