Sonu, Supriyo slug it out
Upala KBR, September 6, 2005
On Sunday night, singers Sonu Nigam and Babul Supriyo had a heated battle of words at music director Aadesh Srivastava’s birthday party at the surburban Hotel Sun-n-Sand located in Juhu.
The argument was sparked off by a disagreement over the issue of royalty earned on songs — a dispute that has been going on between music companies (which presently charge royalties) and singers, music directors and lyricists (who believe it is their prerogative).
On March 31, hitList had reported that Sonu and Alka Yagnik had formed an association called SAI (Singers’ Association of India).
Recounts an eyewitness, “When Alka and Sonu came in, they started whispering to each other. When Aadesh was cutting his cake, Alka was standing next to him, when singer Abhijeet came and stood close behind her. Irritated, she moved away. Afterwards, Sonu and Abhijit were seen engrossed in conversation. Later, a huge fight broke out between Sonu and Babul.”
Not physical
When contacted, Sonu admitted, “Yes there was an argument, but not a physical one. Though if it had come to that, I wouldn’t have minded. I have not beaten up anyone for a long time,” he added with a smile.
Singer or traitor?
Without naming Babul Supriyo, Sonu said he was very angry about the episode. “I am angry. We have a union of singers and if we find one person trying create a rift by bribing or influencing important people, we will not take it lying down. We found out who the person was and took up the issue with him.
We were having discussions about royalties and this singer told someone at the party that if we bribe a person, our job would get done. It has been repeated in history that there is always one traitor who lets every cause down. Today, we have a Jaichand in our midst too,” he added.
“Lataji has started this association and we are putting our hearts into it. Nobody can ruin our efforts. I told this singer to say whatever he has to my face – muh ke peeche mat bol!” Sonu and the rest of the singers have decided for the moment not to take any action. “The person doesn’t really matter. We will go ahead with our work,” said an angry Sonu.
Aadesh’s version
Says Aadesh, “There have been discussions on royalties going on with singers, lyricists and music directors. Till now, music companies have been getting royalties, including for ringtones, which is unfair.
The creator of the song is also entitled to royalty. There are many poor, neglected music directors, singers and lyricists who need medical aid and money. This royalty would be a much-needed source of relief for them.”
Babul’s amnesia
Babul Supriyo had a temporary loss of memory. When asked for his version, he denied attending the party. “I wasn’t there,” he said. But when we said we had pictures, he changed his line to, “Yes, I had gone there, but for a short time. I refuse to comment on anything.”
People saw him fighting with Sonu at the party. “Whatever you saw was just friendly hugs and discussions. There was no fight.” But he has been accused of letting down his association members. “If certain accusations have been made against me, and I feel they are baseless, I don’t need to react to them,” ended Babul abruptly.
On Sunday night, singers Sonu Nigam and Babul Supriyo had a heated battle of words at music director Aadesh Srivastava’s birthday party at the surburban Hotel Sun-n-Sand located in Juhu.
The argument was sparked off by a disagreement over the issue of royalty earned on songs — a dispute that has been going on between music companies (which presently charge royalties) and singers, music directors and lyricists (who believe it is their prerogative).
On March 31, hitList had reported that Sonu and Alka Yagnik had formed an association called SAI (Singers’ Association of India).
Recounts an eyewitness, “When Alka and Sonu came in, they started whispering to each other. When Aadesh was cutting his cake, Alka was standing next to him, when singer Abhijeet came and stood close behind her. Irritated, she moved away. Afterwards, Sonu and Abhijit were seen engrossed in conversation. Later, a huge fight broke out between Sonu and Babul.”
Not physical
When contacted, Sonu admitted, “Yes there was an argument, but not a physical one. Though if it had come to that, I wouldn’t have minded. I have not beaten up anyone for a long time,” he added with a smile.
Singer or traitor?
Without naming Babul Supriyo, Sonu said he was very angry about the episode. “I am angry. We have a union of singers and if we find one person trying create a rift by bribing or influencing important people, we will not take it lying down. We found out who the person was and took up the issue with him.
We were having discussions about royalties and this singer told someone at the party that if we bribe a person, our job would get done. It has been repeated in history that there is always one traitor who lets every cause down. Today, we have a Jaichand in our midst too,” he added.
“Lataji has started this association and we are putting our hearts into it. Nobody can ruin our efforts. I told this singer to say whatever he has to my face – muh ke peeche mat bol!” Sonu and the rest of the singers have decided for the moment not to take any action. “The person doesn’t really matter. We will go ahead with our work,” said an angry Sonu.
Aadesh’s version
Says Aadesh, “There have been discussions on royalties going on with singers, lyricists and music directors. Till now, music companies have been getting royalties, including for ringtones, which is unfair.
The creator of the song is also entitled to royalty. There are many poor, neglected music directors, singers and lyricists who need medical aid and money. This royalty would be a much-needed source of relief for them.”
Babul’s amnesia
Babul Supriyo had a temporary loss of memory. When asked for his version, he denied attending the party. “I wasn’t there,” he said. But when we said we had pictures, he changed his line to, “Yes, I had gone there, but for a short time. I refuse to comment on anything.”
People saw him fighting with Sonu at the party. “Whatever you saw was just friendly hugs and discussions. There was no fight.” But he has been accused of letting down his association members. “If certain accusations have been made against me, and I feel they are baseless, I don’t need to react to them,” ended Babul abruptly.
posted by Khushboo @ 12:40 AM
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