Tell us something about your latest single...
Sonu Nigam: Aa Bhi Ja Tu Kahin Se was actually Bhushan Kumar's (T-Series head honcho) idea. Jeet Gannguli has composed the track, while Manoj Muntashir has penned the lyrics. Finally, Amyra Dastur was chosen to act in the single, which has been directed by Anubhav Sinha.
Amyra Dastur: For me, it was like main aabhi gaye (laughs).
How was it working with each other?
AD: Both Sonu sir and Anubhav sir have an amazing sense of humour. The only difference is, Anubhav sir is slightly sarcastic. Sonu sir will make you laugh even when he is making fun of you and that creates a good working atmosphere. However, it took me a couple of days to understand Anubhav sir's humour -- I kept wondering if he was insulting me or just joking.
SN: I also wondered if Amyra would understand Anubhav's jokes, because, at times, they can leave you stunned.
Sonu, since you have worked with Anubhav previously, you must be comfortable working with him...
SN: Actually, Anubhavji commenced his career with my single, Tu. Our bonding is that old. I like collaborating with people who do not give or take stress while working. Anubhavji works in a very happy zone. When a job is done in happiness, it spreads positivity.
Amyra, which is your favourite song sung by Sonu?
AD: Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin. I love it, because it does not sound auto-tuned. In any case, I don't think Sonu sir uses that software.
SN: (Interrupts) Kamaal hai! I am more proud of you now.... Samajhdari ki baat ki hai!
Share a memorable experience from the shoot of the song...
AD: While canning the last scene, we were dancing on a boat which had very little space. While Sonu sir was worried about the dancing part, I asked him to be careful so that we don't fall overboard.
SN: I didn't know that Kerala has a Pine Valley, because pine trees usually grow in higher altitudes. Also, this was the first time I saw drones being used for shooting. Once, the operator even dropped a drone in water. The whole experience was amazing.
Sonu, are you working on any other singles?
SN: Yes, the song is already conceptualised. But for now, I want to concentrate on the promotion of Aa Bhi Ja Tu Kahin Se. I am doing a couple of other things, but won't reveal them now.
Do you feel the pressure of doing something better every single time?
SN: Today, the success of a single is based on the number of views or hits it has garnered. Now, we don't know if a huge number of hits actually mean more popularity, because hits can be generated even when people are making fun of you. Earlier, in the days when CDs were more popular, it was easier to gauge public response.
Amyra, tell us about your upcoming projects...
AD: I am doing a project with Eros called Ticket To Bollywood and I am making my Telugu debut with Puri Jagannath sir.
Sonu, you were singled out in the industry for some professional issues. How difficult was that phase?
SN: I don't get scared of anything because, I firmly believe in God. To begin with, the issue was not clear to anyone of us and then, the press didn't help either. People still ask me if I have started getting royalties from music companies. But the point is, singers cannot claim royalties from music companies. Initially, the issue was not understood by many people, but when our stand got clarified, even the labels realised that it was not that big an issue. Now, contracts are drawn on a consensual basis.
Sonu, are you being selective with your film projects?
SN: Not really. After the issue of Copyright cropped up and some of my songs (Hangover) got redubbed, my attachment to Bollywood music reduced. Not that I am not singing -- I have my songs in Wazir and Raes -- but I don't count them. I sing if a friend asks me to, that's all. It does not give me any high unless the song is a challenging one like Sapna Jahan from Brothers or the title track of Kill Dil. Film music of course has its own joy, because your song gets promoted and an actor performs... so, a lot of hullabaloo is created. However, I wish to concentrate on independent projects now. Also, concerts are my lifeline because they help me connect with my audiences. I feel concerts are a singer's litmus test, because if you cannot sing for three or four hours continuously, then you need to work on yourself.
Tell us a bit about your concert Klose To My Heart...
SN: Klose To My Heart has been conceptualised and designed by me. I take a 50-people orchestra to various venues and perform. I even look after its technical part. Actually, the concert has three series -- Klose to my Heart, Klose to my Soul and Epic.
The best songs of your career have happened with composers Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and Ajay-Atul. Any particular reason for that?
SN: I have sung great songs for other music directors too, but yes, I have given some of my career's best with these people. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and A.R. Rahman give complete liberty to their singers and they are chilled out.
Thumbnail image source: Manav Manglani