Legendary playback singer Sonu Nigam, ahead of a much-awaited performance, recently opened up in an exclusive conversation, tracing the remarkable arc of a career that has gracefully spanned over three decades. From the era of cassette tapes to commanding global stages and even pioneering AI-powered duets, Nigam has witnessed and adapted to seismic shifts in how music is created and consumed.
Embracing Change: From Analog Studios to AI Duets
Recalling his early days in Mumbai during the 1990s, Sonu painted a vivid picture of a purely analog industry. "When I came to the city, everything was analog. We were prepared to sing a song in one take," he remembered, noting his work with stalwarts like Usha Khanna, Laxmikant-Pyarelal, and Anu Malik. He views the technological revolution, including the current trend of short music reels, not with resistance but with curiosity. "You have to look at every change with an open mind. My gurus are not only from the past, but also from the present and the future," he stated, emphasizing his lifelong student mentality.
This forward-thinking approach was spectacularly demonstrated at his recent concert in Dallas, USA, where he performed a poignant, AI-powered duet with the late, great Mohammed Rafi. "AI can be used in various ways. You can cheat through it, but you can also use it to make people emotional," Sonu explained. He described a segment where Rafi sahab 'came alive' to sing 'Kal Ho Na Ho', a moment that deeply moved the audience and went viral. For him, the meaningful application of such technology hinges entirely on the artist's intent.
A State of Akarma: Finding Oneness with Music
Having achieved monumental success, Sonu Nigam revealed that his current drive stems from a profound sense of inner contentment rather than external validation. "I have found my place in this world, and I never imagined I would reach this state of contentment and satisfaction so early in my life," he shared. He referenced the Hindu philosophy of 'Akarma'—working without attachment to the outcome—and the Taoist idea where 'the singer becomes the song.'
"When the singer becomes the song, the singer doesn't exist. You don't need to be inspired—the singer inspires the song, not the other way around," he mused, describing this fusion as a beautiful feeling of oneness with the universe. This philosophy allows him to feel a deep connection to music from every era, be it contemporary hits, songs from his own rise to fame 30 years ago, or even classics from before he was born.
Global Stages and a Special Bond with Hyderabad
Reflecting on his international tour across the United States and Canada, Sonu expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love from the diaspora. "The audiences there are very, very passionate, perhaps even more than Indian audiences, because they miss India and feel a strong connection," he observed. He believes the essence of his audience remains consistent globally—passionate and musically sound individuals drawn to his art.
The singer also holds a particular affection for the city of Hyderabad. "Coming to Hyderabad always feels like revisiting a beautiful chapter of my journey," he said fondly, recalling memories from the 1990s and the special people he met there. This sentiment was palpable during his recent power-packed concert in the city's Financial District, where over 10,000 fans were electrified by a night of high-energy rhythms and timeless melodies, a testament to his enduring appeal.
