Sonu Nigam

The Ultimate, Unofficial Sonu Nigam site/ blog with news updates, rantings and droolings for the best singer of all time!

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Small town means big talent: Idol judges

** Another Idol article..my my, the publicity is amazing...good for you Sonu! every indian idol article has something said by him...and its just great...read on...

Shirin Abbas
Lucknow, October 21: The brickbats have been coming more frequently than the bouquets over the auditions for the Indian Idol II in Lucknow but the report card for the City of Nawabs is more than promising, if judges views are to be believed.

“I’m very pleasantly surprised with the high quality of talent coming in from smaller cities this time round. The performances have been excellent and some very, very outstanding singers,” says Anu Malik.


“I guess the second time round people are more familiar with the format and have a better idea of what to expect. They also understand that it is a very big platform and can give them the kind of inroads into the music industry that few can imagine. The success story of Abhijeet Sawant and Amit Sana, Rahul Vaidya and Prajakta Shukre has spawned an entire generation who want to use this platform to attain their dreams,” says Farah Kahan also expressing her deep satisfaction with the level of performances. “ We’re really seeing some good talent from the ‘chhotey chhotey shehers’. I think the equation translates to ‘Small City Big Talent’ and we have several examples before us to stand by that maxim,” she adds.

Among the trio, Sonu Nigam is the quiet one. “I prefer to speak where I am required, he adds, visibly touched when we mention to him the fact that there are thousands outside content to walk away from the show just to get a chance to sing before him, and give up singing altogether on just his word. “That is so sweet. It is touching. I can only be grateful for that kind of public support. I guess it is that which has brought me to where I am in the film industry,” he says.

So what is it that they are looking for? Sheer vocal brilliance or an all round performer?

“I think it is very obvious that Indian Idol is all about singing talent. That’s the core competence area. All else is dispensable,” says Sonu Nigam. “The days of radio singers are over. So while the paramount need is for a good voice that can sway the hearts of millions, the fact remains that we are looking for a pop idol. Just as it is important to have a pleasing personality on the job and be careful about personal grooming, so also here too, the overall impression must be pleasant,” says Farah Khan.

“We are looking for a complete singer who can perform before the public. If you look at pop icons in the West you see they are a blend of talent, looks and personality and we too are looking for that right quality which goes into making a complete performer,” remarks Anu Malik. “Also he or she should have staying power. Yes, the contest gives you a huge platform but at the end of that it is your talent which keeps you going. The struggle goes on. It hasn’t ended. Not for Sonu, not for me. So Abhijeet Sawant and Amit Sana must remember that Indian Idol has given them a headstart and a foothold. But it’s up to them to stay on that platform,” he sums it up.



** touched??? he's touched! that's so sweet and nice of him...others might just smile and grin in their glory, but no, not Sonu...he's so nice! and talk about thousands coming to the auditions just to sing in front of him...i wish i could sing, a least a bit! i'd have run all the way to the auditions lol! but there it is. i cant sing. i can only hope for concerts to get me to him... i guess thats better than nothing....

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Audition for 2nd Indian Idol begins

**another indian idol article...with exams finally over, i can hardly wait!! i wish it would hurry up and be november 14!!!



Audition for 2nd Indian Idol begins
- By Ruchi Gandhi


New Delhi: Abhijeet Sawant became a phenomenon after he won the Indian Idol. Judging the popularity of the show Sony Entertainment Television has planned the next series for which the auditions have begun.

To be aired next month, the auditions for the second series of Indian Idol was held in the capital which saw more than 5,000 aspirants from North India. While most of them participating for the first time, there were few who had tried their luck in the past.

"I was among the top 50 from Delhi. I wasn’t selected for the next round as I forgot the lyrics of the song while auditioning. Thankfully I got through this year," said Neeta Pandey of Music Faculty of Fine Arts, Delhi University one of the many aspirants from Delhi who has been chosen for the next round.

Her friend from the same college Veena Parashar has cleared the second round too. "This programme is the best platform one can get to start a career in singing. I want to be a playback singer for movies and I sincerely hope that I get selected," said Veena who impressed the judges of the show with the number Kajra mohabbat wala.

The judges Anu Malik, Farah Khan and Sonu Nigam flew to the city for the last two days of the auditions.

"India is a reservoir of talent. These shows are extremely important for the youngsters. If Indian Idol did not happen, Abhijeet Sawant and Amit Sana would have been waiting outside Anu Malik’s home forever," said Farah Khan. Sonu Nigam is very happy to take the hot seat again. "We are looking for a fresh voice," he said.

And does Anu Malik plan to go easy on the participants this time? "I am honest while I judge them. I can’t afford to be sweet and polite. Criticism is healthy and very important for them," Anu said.

Monday, October 17, 2005

“I refused David” –Sonu Nigam

By IndiaFM News Bureau, October 17, 2005 - 23:42 IST
He is the guy with the golden voice. Give him a track and Sonu Nigam more often than not lifts the mundane to the magical. The only time that he turns down a song is when the lyrics are offensive or demeaning. “But I got to admit that, it wasn’t the case earlier. I did sing a song like ‘Mera Paon bhari ho gaya’ for a video” Sonu comes candid. He did? “Yes, I was a rank rookie then and you cannot afford to make choices or have an opinion. You just grab the work that comes your way. And to add to the woes was the fact that, music industry when I started out for a poor cousin to acting, so the situation was pretty tough” he implores. Having a line of chartbusters under his belt, he would be calling the shots now, right? “Nah, nothing as dramatic as that. But yes success gives you the freedom to make choices. It lets you pick work of your taste and flavor” the good-looking singer points out. Any recent case wherein he invested this freedom wisely, we hint. “David Dhawan wanted me to sing a particular song for Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya. But I explained him that the lyrics might not be cheesy but I was uneasy doing the piece of work. Fortunately, he understood that and didn’t hold it against me. The last I hear is that they have scrapped the piece altogether” he says, good-naturedly. Good for you Sonu, we prefer you singing a ‘Main Hoon Na’ instead of asking women to join you on ‘rajayis’ and ‘khatiyas’!

** already know about this, but since this article just came up on indiafm, just decided to put it up again...

SN and food!

**probably very old, but i just bumped into this and found it highly interesting...

Celeb Talk: Sonu Nigam
A teenyboppers craze, Sonu Nigam today is one of India's versatile talents. Gone are the days when teens found him cute, they now find him "sexy".
Winning awards left, right and centre for his singing, Sonu Nigam has his sights now on histrionics on the silver screen.

**sexy is the word man. =)

What is your food regime like? Eggs, cornflakes and sandwiches constitute my breakfast. Roti, paneer or non-veg make my lunch. Fresh fruit juice is a must in the evenings. Dinner is almost the same as lunch.


** i LOVE paneer! but i am a vegetarian. but i eat eggs...

What's your favourite cuisine?
I love Chinese, Lebanese, Japanese cuisines. In fact whether Mediterranean or Continental, I love foods that fulfill my sense of taste.


** i stick to Indian, Chinese and Italian...

Is there anything you abstain from?
Smoking and alcohol.


** talk about setting a good example..love ya!

What does homemade food mean to you?
It's a part of you the aroma itself is so filling. As a child whether I went for a picnic or a school trip, it was always homemade tiffin for me. It’s difficult to actually describe the nourishing and nurturing that a homemade food can give.

** i TOTALLY agree...home food rocks! but it is nice to have outside food once in a while..;)
Do you have a sweet tooth?
I'm a dessert freak. Hot gulab jamuns with vanilla ice-cream are my favourites.


*squeals* i ADORE gujab jamun and vanilla ice cream, not together though...separately...lol..

Your favourite restaurant in Mumbai?
The Legacy of China.

Your favourite health magazine?
I preferably read body-building books that are available abroad.

When ill what home remedy do you rely on?
Whenever I have cold or cough, I prefer homemade kaadha prepared in herbs.

What’s your secret behind healthy living and a lyrical voice?
I have proper oil free meals, check my weight regularly. I always make sure that I have done my riyaaz for some hours during the day.

Your fitness regimen.
Mechanical exercise thrice a week fol-lowed by a little meditation.

** you know its good that he's so fit and all, but its kinda scary cuz i hardly have time for any exercise...boo hoo hoo...
What refreshes you after a hectic day?
A good night sleep.

** i love sleeping too...just that with my pathetically hectic school life i cant get enough of it...=(

Sunday, October 16, 2005

...

i can't find any pictures for the lycra style awards now, but i guess they'll put them up later, considering they have 2004 pics up there on their site...just in case, their site is

http://www.mtvindia.com/styleawards/winners.html

you can check it out for the previous years' awardees, etc etc...

Sizzle at the MTV Style Awards

** two articles on the Lycra MTV Style Awards...and guess what- Sonu Nigam was awarded the Most Stylish Male!!!!!!!!!!!
i was practically delirious when i read thi...man this is so cool and i like totally totally agree! he has a GREAT fashion sense, i mean just look at his clothes... and his adaa, chaal, style is totally amazing...

adaa, aaye haaye adaa...
hosh churaye adaa...
neend udaye adaa...
kar de deewana...

well deserved sonu! i wish they had pictures! i'll try snooping around for pictures...meanwhile, read on...

Saturday, October 15, 2005 17:46 IST

The Lycra MTV Style Awards in the city on Friday night was, simply put, a stylish affair. Stars turned out in large numbers and made sure they were at their glamorous best. Malaika Arora Khan was spotted with hubby Arbaaz Khan in tow.

Actors Neelam, Kim Sharma, Dia Mirza, Mandira Bedi and Poonam Dhillon were seen at the event along with designers Rocky S, Wendell Rodericks, Anna Singh and models Upen Patel, Feroze Gujral, Aditi Govitrikar, Marc and Waluscha Robinson. Singers Shaan, Sonu Nigam, KK, Ila Arun, Vasundhara Das and Usha Uthup were also present.

The MTV brigade was there in full force. Jaaved Jaffrey's Salaam Namaste act received heavy applause from the audience while the Fully Faltoo act by MTV VJs Cyrus Broacha and Cyrus Sahukar did not get as many laughs. As for the awards, Gautam Singhania (most stylish businessman), Rajeev Khandelwal (most stylish male in TV), Malaika Arora (most stylish female in TV), Asha Bhonsle (most stylish person in music–female), Sonu Nigam (most stylish person in music–male) and Atul Kasbekar (most stylish fashion photographer) scored over the rest.

The most stylish fashion designer was Manish Arora while Anna Singh got the award for most stylish Bollywood fashion designer. Upen Patel and Sapna Kumar won the awards for the most stylish male and female ramp models respectively. Rani Mukherjee and John Abraham got awards for most stylish female and male actors.

Omar Abdullah won the award for most stylish politician while Sania Mirza got the award for most stylish sportsperson. The music groups that rocked were Bombay Rockers and Dr Zeus. Celina Jaitley and Fardeen Khan set the stage afire with their electric performance. And lastly, the highly coveted Maha Style Icon award was given out by Zeenat Aman to Feroz Khan.




Malaika Arora, Rajeev Khandelwal bag Lycra MTV Style Award in TV category

Indiantelevision.com Team
(15 October 2005 7:00 pm)

MUMBAI: The glitz and glamour of the Lycra MTV Style Awards had bestowed actor Feroz Khan as its Maha Style Icon of the year.

Held on 14 October in Mumbai at the Jamshed Bhabha Auditorium at NCPA, MTV Lycra Style Awards honoured the fashionable and stylish people across various mediums - television, film, music and sports. The Style Awards will be telecast on 28 October at 8 pm.

In the television arena, it was Malaika Arora Khan and Rajeev Khandelwal who bagged the honours of being the most stylish people in television in female and male categories respectively.
John Abraham and Rani Mukherjee were voted the 'Most Stylish Person in Films' titles in the male and female category respectively. Further, Asha Bhonsle and Sonu Nigam were declared the most stylish people in music in the female and male categories respectively. In the sports category, Sania Mirza was chosen as the most stylish person.

In the 'Honours' category, Gautam Singhania was declared the most stylish person in business platform and Omar Abdullah was selected as the most stylish person in politics.

Further, in the 'technical' category Manish Arora was declared the fashion designer of the year and Anna Singh as the Bollywood designer of the year. Lycra's breakthrough designer of the year award was given to Varun Behl.

Further, Atul Kasbekar won the fashion photographer of the year award. Upen Patel was once again declared the most stylish person (male) on ramp. The most stylish person (female) on ramp award went to Sapna Kumar.

Also present at the event were celebrities including Feroz Khan, Fardeen Khan, Celina Jaitley, Dia Mirza, Sanjay Kapoor, Malaika Arora Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Waluscha and Marc Robinson.

MTV VJ Cyrus Broacha and VJs Anusha hosted the event. The chosen designers for this year teamed-up with international and Indian music artists for a special theme-based act and wove magic on stage - Aparna Chandra with Dr. Zeus, Raghavendra Rathore with Bombay Rockers, Narendra Kumar with DJ Swami and Anamika Khanna with Ashu-Dhruv and Kailash Kher spell-bound the audience with their creativity and style on stage.

Further, this year, as a pro-social move towards the disaster-struck in Mumbai, a special platform titled 'Style with Substance' had been created to help the victims. A few select designs from each of the designers will be selected and put up online at eBay.com for auction. The proceeds of this will be donated towards the 26 July cause.

CRY ’s Ashawali Dhoop

** add on another kind act to Sonu Nigam's social work...


Child Relief and You (CRY) held a function to release their album in support of children’s rights, Asha Wali Dhoop. The lead track is composed by Taufiq and written by Prasoon Joshi. One track, ‘Mera bhi to adhikaar hai...’, is composed by Aadesh Shrivastava and written by Javed Akhtar. The music label FreeSpirit Entertainment is marketing the album.

Ustads Sultan Khan and Zakir Husain, Shankar Mahadevan, Ali Azmat and George Brooks have performed on the album along with Mynta, Alms For Shanti, Kailash Kher, Hariharan, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, Abhijeet, Vijayta Pandit,Saapna Mukherjee, Sonu Nigam, Babul Supriyo, Shaan, Shreya Ghosal, Shraddha Pandit and others. Proceeds from the sales will go towards restoring the rights of children, including those from Tsunami-affected areas.

** can't wait for the album!
 
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