Sonu Niigaam To Perform At The Commonwealth Games !!

Musical treat at CWG
The ballooning budget of the Commonwealth Games makes headlines each day, but it has some top musicians playing at less than half their usual price. The musicians aren't complaining, but rather, are excited to represent their country at the Games. The cultural fest begins on October 1 – two days ahead of the Games. Its inaugural show at the Games Village will see Parikrama opening the fest on day 1, followed by Half Step Down on day 2, ThemClones on day 4, Kailash Kher on day 12 and Indian Ocean on the last day of the fest, October 13.

A source overheard one of the musicians commenting lightheartedly, "Maine socha apni country ke naam pe agar kam paise mein perform karne ko keh rahein hain toh negotiate nahin karna chahiye. We have some responsibility as citizens. But since I got to know of their real budget, I feel I could've made a lot of money!"

Jokes apart, they're all planning to give memorable performances. Shankar Mahadevan says, "We'll do something special, something that'll enhance the spirit of the country and the city." He admits that the price at which they are performing "is not even comparable to how much they charge normally," but adds, "How can we think of charging that much? It's an honour to perform at such a prestigious event." Surojit Dev of ThemClones agrees, "Yes, we are performing at a rebate. Had it been only us, we might have had some regrets, but this discounting is done by all those who are performing. Anyway, playing at the Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." Indian Ocean too, decided to perform at a token amount. "And whether the people in power are doing their job or not is not our concern; our focus is on supporting our country and the city in whatever way we can," states Dhruv Jagasia, manager, Indian Ocean.

Performing at the Games will also mean international exposure, which is also why the moolah matter's turned secondary. "Rock n' roll bands have a niche market; we don't perform for such a wide audience usually, so playing for this event is an international platform for us, hence it's a great opportunity," explains Dhawal Mudgal of Half Step Down. But there are a few more apprehensions like that of security. Kailash Kher, who was worried earlier, sounded positive when we spoke to him. "In terms of security, Delhi, I think, is the safest, so I'm all excited and looking forward to it," he told us.
A source close to the cultural committee reveals that earlier, there were four-five festivals planned, but were later reduced to two. While Kunal Ganjawala said he's yet to give his final nod, Alka Yagnik's spokesperson confirmed her presence. When DT spoke to Subir Malik, manager and keyboardist, Parikrama, he neither denied nor confirmed the band's performance for the event. Others expected to perform are Sonu Niigaam, Hariharan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan, Himesh Reshammiya, Shreya Ghoshal and Sukhwinder Singh.

However, all are not happy with the fee compromise. Rudy Wallang of Soulmate, which is performing on October 7, says, "Yes, we were told that all have brought down their fees. And we do look at the positive side, which is that we're getting to perform at such an event. Considering the amount the not-so-deserving are earning out of this, it's not about regrets, it's just that there should be a little more respect for the musicians. And in this case, we could have been paid just the amount we usually charge, if not extra." There's some 'wealth' loss 'common' to all these musicians, yet they aren't playing spoilsport, wotsay?

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/Musical-treat-at-CWG/articleshow/6432367.cms

Sonu Niigaam Sings In Jackie !!

Starring : Puneeth Rajkumar, Bhavana Menon
Rangayana Raghu, Ravi Kale and Shobharaj.
Music Director : V.Harikrishna
Banner : Poornima Enterprises
Producer : Parvatamma Rajkumar - Director : Suri
Cinematography : Satya Hegde

1) Eradu Jadeyannu - Sonu Niigaam & Shreya Ghoshal
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With magnificent business for home production of Dr Rajkumar family film ‘Jackie’ (launched under Sri Poornima Enterprises) that is one and half times more than Rs.8.5crore business done by Puneeth Rajakumar’s previous film ‘Prithvi’ (starring Parvathi Menon in the lead) this another Mallu girl Bhavana in the lead ‘Jackie’ created furors from the song ‘Yakka Raja Rani Nanna Kaiolage…’ because it was leaked in the internet media and secondly the objectionable wordings in the songs alerted the family of Dr Rajakumar.

With already popular song among the film music lovers in Karnataka and elsewhere a solid decision was taken to change the whole lyrics by producer Raghavendra Rajkumar. Accordingly Shiva Antha Hoguthddhe Rodinalli…..lyrics is replaced to the earlier lyric.

As all the songs are written by well known director Yogaraj Bhat for his best friend director Soori film ‘Jackie’ the first line of Yakka Raja Rani is maintained for another circumstance of the film but again the earlier wordings will not be there says Anand Audio Mohan speaking to IndiaGlitz correspondent.

“We have done hectic job for the release of ‘Jackie’ on 20th of this month on the Varamahalakshmi Day evening at Le Meridian and also paid very good price as rights amount that is around Rs.40 lakhs. In the first bunch we are releasing only 15000 audio CD and pricing at Rs.50”, says Mohan.

There are five songs in this album of ‘Jackie’. Anand Audio Mohan agrees that the controversial song he heard was there on the song recording muhurth day. That was sung by Tippu. “It is not there in the audio CD”, he says firmly. “How the song got leaked in the internet media”, he points to music director V Harikrishna. “He is the better person to inform”, Anand audio Mohan prefers not to be in controversy.

Apparently this is the sixth Puneeth Rajakumar’s film audio, Anand Audio have released – Mourya, Milana, Bindhaas, Vamshi and now ‘Jackie’.

‘Jackie’ has been shot in Rome, Italy, Austria, South Africa storing the songs featuring Puneeth Rajakumar and Bhavana. Harsha, Imran and Ganesh have done the choreography. Sumithra, Rangayana Raghu, Honnavalli Krishna, Ravi Kaale, Satyajith, Shobaraj, Raju Thalikote, Bullet Prakash, Sampath, Umesh, Ravikiran, Siddaraju, Harshika, Nisha, Nai Chandru, Petrol Prasanna, Sushma, Biradar are in the supporting cast.

Sathya Hegde is the cameraman of ‘Jackie’.

Sonu Niigaam's Son Sings With Lata Didi !!

Little Nevaan Nigam’s turning out to be a regular chip off the old block. At three, Bollywood rocker Sonu Niigaam’s son has already cut his first song. And, that too with the Voice of India — Lata Mangeshkar herself!

The story goes that Lataji approached Sonu and asked him if Nevaan would conclude a song on her new album by performing a sargam. This, those into singing and Hindustani classical music will know, is far more difficult than just singing or reciting words.

But Sonu, who himself has contributed and sang alongside Lataji on the new album, immediately agreed. And the singer is now brimming with pride and joy because the songstress posted on a networking site that her two most favourite singers are Sonu and Nevaan.

Sonu told TOI, “I believe that Nevaan is truly blessed. To be asked by Lataji to sing with her at this young age, is in itself a great honour. Her compliment to Nevaan even tops all the ones that I’ve got through my entire career.”

Nevaan isn’t formally being trained as a singer yet. “But he’s an intelligent child and grasped every sur very quickly. He has a good music sense,” said the proud father. “When we taught him the sargam, the incentive we gave him was the opportunity to sing on the mike. Nevaan was eager enough!”

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/Sonus-son-sings-with-Lata/articleshow/6387008.cms

Sonu Niigaam Happy For Reliance !!

Reliance launches three new English entertainment channels

The Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL), part of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group and CBS Studios International, has launched three new English entertainment channels at a function at the JW Marriot here.

The channels will offer new and current CBS programmes, including some of the world's most popular TV programmes. CBS Studios International is a division of CBS Corporation.

Popular CBS contents, including brand-new series like 'Hawaii Five-0', 'The Defenders' and 'Blue Bloods', and current hits 'NCIS', 'Survivor', 'CSI', '90210', 'America's Next Top Model' and 'Entertainment Tonight' will be telecasted in these channels.

It will also draw from 70,000 hours of content from CBS's programme library, including the original 'Melrose Place', 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', 'Frasier', 'Everybody Loves Raymond', and 'Charmed', among others.

'Well it's great to see that new channels coming up in the entertainment sector in English. I think all the channels are going to be English. It will be nice to see that something new that's happening.

'My very best wishes to the entire team of Reliance and Big Pictures for launching the English channels,' Aamir told reporters at the launch party.

Besides Aamir, the event was graced by many glitterati of the film and television industry. Director Mahesh Bhatt, Abhinav Kashyap, music composer Rajesh Roshan, Salim-Suleeman, singers Sonu Nigan, Alkya Agnik, Shan, screenplay writer and lyricist Prasun Joshi and actor Jitendra, among others attended.

Sonu Niigaam said: 'I am very, very gland that Reliance entering into film and entertainment channel.'

Source: http://www.bombaynews.net/story/675108

Harmony Across Borders !!

With the growing popularity of Indian music, India has come across as a fine platform for many artistes from other countries to showcase their talent. Particularly, the artistes from Pakistan.

But even though music crosses boundaries, languages, castes or creeds it seems that we’re still stuck in the same old controversial story. Whether it is cricket, hockey, music, movies or Pakistani artistes, there has always been a tiff between India and neighbouring Pakistan.

In spite of all the talk of friendship, harmony and free-flowing cultural exchanges between India and Pakistan, artistes from the neighbouring nation seem to be finding it difficult to obtain permission to come to Mumbai to record songs. Even Lata Mangeshkar was once rejected a visa by Pakistani officials which irked her. And apparently, she didn’t sweep it under the carpet because later she refused the Pakistan Cricket Board’s invitation to perform.

Nevertheless, we have plenty of Pakistani artistes doing well in India such as Ali Haider, Ghulam Ali, Ali Zafar, Adnan Sami (of Pakistani origin), Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam, the band Jal to name a few. Mahesh Bhatt who brought the Pakistani band Jal, actress Meera, rock singer Mustafa Zahid and many others to India has always encouraged artistes from across the border, which earned him a lot of criticism.

If we go deep into the history, we have artistes such as Noor Jehan in 1930s performing in India without much trouble. Salma Agha is yet another example - she is a popular singer from Pakistan who sang as well as acted in Indian films. Abida Parveen and Farida Khanum are also Pakistani stars that crossed the border and made a name for themselves in India.

However, at present, many Pakistani artistes find it difficult to make it into Bollywood for many reasons. For example, Mohammed Ali Shehki, the Pakistani pop singer of Iranian descent who was asked to sing in Bollywood, refused because of the security reasons. Bal Thackeray threatened Shehki and warned that if any Pakistani singer/actor comes to India, he will have them shot. Regardless of this, Shehki's song ‘Han pehli baar’ was included in one of the Indian movies. On the other hand, Bollywood composer Pritam Chakraborty even had to travel to Pakistan to record a song with Atif Aslam for Kismat Konnection because Atif couldn’t obtain a visa.

And lately, India has been flooded with talent from Pakistan but not everyone likes it. In fact, a few years ago artistes like Rajeshwari (daughter of Lakshmikant of the Lakshmikant-Pyarelal duo), Abhijeet Bhattacharya, film-maker Shakti Samant, Anup Jalota, Jagjeet Singh, Kumar Sanu, Jaspinder Narula, and Azad Kamal even requested the Indian government to ban Pakistani artistes from performing in India. Their reason was simple, if they were not allowed into Pakistan to perform, why should the Pakistanis be allowed to perform in India? They wanted Pakistan to treat them in the same way that India treats Pakistani artistes.

Abhijeet Bhattacharya is one of the singers from Bollywood who even lashed out at Pakistani singers and the Bhatts publicly. He verbally attacked Pakistani singers like Adnan Sami and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Whereas the Indian Music Industry claims that the sale of recordings of Pakistani singers is very small when compared to Indian figures. The reality is that Pakistani singers have certainly made a huge impact on Indian audience.

Despite the fact that this debate and controversy seems endless, the truth is that music knows no boundaries and as far as the artistes are concerned, all we have to say is let the music play… don’t let politics get in the way.

Sonu Niigaam & Nikita Model On The Ramp At Surana Show At the India International Jewellery Week !!!!

Blame it on the traffic bottleneck. Sonu Niigaam, Twitter exitter and songster whose losing his kool a little too often recently, showed up to add his bit of dazzle.

Ahhh, pity, his starry entry was a little too late… as his sibling Nikita Nigam, had already earned her maiden share of the spotlight and sashayed off!

In a stunning orange and black sari ensemble, Nikita graced the ramp as showstopper for 'Surana Gems and Jewellery' at the India International Jewellery Week (IIJW) convened at suburban Mumbai.

"It took me an hour and a half to get here thanks to the traffic jam," said Sonu. "It's a pity that I missed seeing my sister Nikita walk the ramp. She's eleven and a half years younger to me and for us, it's a double celebration since she was announced winner in the music contest which happened a day before."

Recounting a precious phase of his life, Sonu said, "Earlier, when I'd come down to Mumbai from Delhi, I saw that a majority of the people here used to wear many gold chains and bracelets. And so, once I started earning and making good money, I also went ahead and purchased many gold chains. I used to wear them proudly, since I felt that Mumbai was all about showing off how much gold you had. It meant that you were rich and financially strong. But over the years, I realised that it was looking too flashy. I altered by style and turned subtle."


http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/97728/Sonu-Its-double-celebration-me.html

Sonu Niigaam - ‘Kannada Songs Make Me Feel Positive’

Says singer Sonu Niigaam, who was in the City recently for an audio release

Sonu Niigaam needs no introduction to music lovers. His musical saga in the Kannada film industry started ten years back with Snehaloka and now, he is on the peak of his popularity with some of the best Kannada songs under his belt.

What strikes the most about this hotshot singer is his boy next door charm and humility. He is what he looks — straight and innovative, in terms of both his profession and appearance.

In the City for the audio release ceremony of Pancharangi, the versatile singer was looking dashing in his black outfit sporting long curly hair. “I want to know how long it can grow so just checking my limits,” he joked guessing everyone’s curiosity about his hair. The versatile singer then spoke candidly with Metrolife about his tryst with Sandalwood.

As everyone knows, Sonu’s already-hit innings in the Kannada industry became even more successful with Mungaru Male, after which there has been no turning back. “I am really touched by the love showered on me by the people of Karnataka. I have had a successful career as a singer in Bollywood but this is simply amazing — to have a huge fan following in a different language,” says Sonu, who finds Kannada music more melodious than that of Bollywood.

“Whenever I sing Kannada songs, I feel positive vibrations in me. I cannot escape the lyrics, tunes and moods of the songs for a long time. Till date, when I sing Mungaru Maleye, I feel lost in some unknown feeling,” he adds.

He has such a huge demand in the industry that he has even recorded many of his tracks from the US. “There were some good offers so I had no choice. So, I recorded my portions of the songs through Skype’s video calling facility. I have done it a couple of times, when there were no options,” he quips as he goes down memory lane.

“During my initial days in the industry, I had no godfathers. It started with jingles, and went on to TV shows and movies. Whatever I am now is due to the will of the almighty.”

Though he has acted in a number of films right from his childhood, Sonu always knew singing was his true calling. “Acting in movies is cool but I love being a singer. For years, all I used to do was tour studios after studios, singing several songs a day and returning home tired. In the process, my self-respect grew and I decided to do only quality work.”

Had he not been a singer, what would he be? “Scientist,” he is quick to answer. “But now, I don’t have any regrets. It is true that I am not satisfied with the works I have been offered. However thanks to God, I am able to do my own things, the things I cherish.”

Sonu Niigaam Sings In Raghav Sachars New Album - 'Vande Mataram'

Times Music in association with Reliance TimeOut, the one-stop destination for books, music, movies and stationery enthusiasts, a specialty format of Reliance Retail, launched Raghav Sachar’s new album, ‘Vande Mataram’.

The new album was launched by none other than Raghav himself who also enthralled the audience by performing LIVE few songs from his latest album at the Reliance TimeOut, Bandra outlet here recently.
Raghav’s ‘Vande Mataram’ is sung and composed by him. The track Vande Mataram is an amalgamation of different sounds of world music that can be heard with the use of different instruments.

Overall this Patriotic Tribute depicts him i.e. Optimistic, Energetic and Youthful.

The talented musician has the ability of playing two musical instruments at one time – harmonica with one hand and drums with the other.

Raghav plays around 32 musical instruments like Sopranino saxophone, Glockenspiel, Charmonica, Ocarina and a few others. Some of the others who have sung in this album includes Sonu Niigaam, A.R Rahman, Shaan, Paroma P Dasgupta, Mumbai Film Choir and Others.

Source: http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=83434&n_tit=Times+Music+Launch+Raghav+Sachar%92s+New+album%2C+%91Vande+Mataram%92

Kannada Movie Pancharangi - Music Review !!

The moment you see names like Yogaraj Bhat, Mano Murthy and Jayanth Kaikini in the credits, the word 'quality' comes naturally and expectations reaches sky-high. Such has been the brand value of the trio. After creating magic in Mungaaru Male and Manasaare they have joined hands again for Pancharangi. One can just state that it would be nothing less than sacrilege for this team to present listeners with something which is less than being excellent. Since youth is the flavour of the season, one expects the music of Pancharangi to be carrying urban sensibilities that one expects from the film as well. This time Bhat has taken bigger role while penning the lyrics. He along with Kaikini has written three songs each. Let's check out what this elite team has to offer.

Udisuve Belakine Seereya
Singer(s): Sonu Niigaam
Lyrics: Jayanth Kaikini
Romantic and upbeat track 'Udisuve Belakine Seereya' has Sonu Niigaam behind the mike. He has done well again with his soft vocals. But one cannot expect this song to be a instant hit like 'Mungaru Maleye' from Mungaru Male or 'Ello Maleyaagideyandu' from Manasaare. However, the Kaikini's lyric is impressive.

Source: http://mklsree.blogspot.com/2010/08/kannada-movie-pancharangi-music-review.html

Sonu Niigaam Comes and Conquers !!

The fabulous singer with wonderful manners Sonu Niigaam came to Bangalore for his first audio release in Kannada and conquered the hearts of guests.
He was the centre of attraction at Yogaraj Bhat ‘Pancharangi’ audio release.

He was here because of positive vibrations he carry with music director Mano Murthy, lyricist Jayanth Kaikini – for these two Sonu Niigaam has sung most of his Kannada films songs beginning from the mega hit ‘Mungaru Male’ in 2006.

We give you the highlights of Sonu Nigam special chat with media persons:


• From New Delhi I came to Mumbai worked in television channels, for jingles and albums. My career saw upward growth from last five years.

• In Kannada I got a special place. I have good admiration. If my wordings are not announced correctly it is because the tutor has not got the right words from me. My name is spelt at Shonu Nigam.

• Yogaraj Bhat, Jayanth Kaikini. Mano Murthy, V Harikrishna and Hamsalekha I jell well.

• For me music means melody. Singing in Kannada given me very much popularity but I pretty popular in Hindi too.

• Music means melody for me.

• I have grown this long hair for no purpose. One thing to know how long it can grow and secondly it is just like that.

• Music should move away from filmy to classical, semi classical and world music.

• Mumbai film music today is loud. There is good melody in South India.

• For popularity luck counts. The blessing of God is also important.

• I am like an instrument. Thank almighty.

• Mungaru Male title track is my favorite so far.

• I have worked for basic album free of cost to Ashok Kheney banner.

• I would have become a scientist if not a singer

Sonu Niigaam Sings For 'Pancharangi'

Pancharangi is an upcoming Indian Kannada language movie
When yograj has given three hits on the trot, even a mundane task such as finding a name for his films makes it to headlines. After giving hits such as Mungaru Male, Gaalipata and Manasaare, The latest buzz in sandalwood is that the man has named his new film as Pancharangi, story and screenplay written by Pawan Kumar B.P who also wrote Manasaare and Lagori for Yogaraj Bhat. Pancharangi will his blue-eyed boy Diganth, who will be the leading lad of Pancharangi.

This will be the fourth time Diganth will do a film with Bhat. But it seems YB sees repeat value only in heroes and not in heroines. In fact, he has not repeated either the heroines or the cameramen for any of his film till now. While Krishna handled the camera in Mungaru Male, Ratnavelu took up the mantle in Galipata, which was given to Satya Hegde in Manasaare. In Pancharangi, Tyagu will handle the camera.

Also apparently YB has great passion for animals and have shown animal has a character in all his previous movies like devdas rabbit in mungaru malle, pig in gallipata and now a dog called scooby in pancharangi.
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Starring - Diganth, Nidhi Subbaiah, Ananth Nag

Music - Mano Murthy - Lyrics - Jayanth Kaikini, Yogaraj Bhat

Producer - Yograj Bhat, Subramanya - Director - Yograj Bhat

Story Screenplay - Pawan Kumar B.P
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Udisuve Belakine Seereya - Sonu Niigaam
Lyrics: Jayanth Kaikini
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'Pancharangi' songs Hit The Market
The much sought after director from the super hit film ‘Mungaru Male in 2006 Yogaraj Bhat maiden production with Subramanyam from ‘Pancharangi’ a film on the five colors that also coincide with the life completing shooting and busy with post production has released the audio album at Gold Finch Hotel on Saturday afternoon.

Sonu Nigam appearing for the first time in an audio release function in Kannada with power star Puneeth Rajakumar released the audio album for thunderous applauds. Ananthnag, Puneeth Rajakumar, Raghavendra Rajakumar, director Soori, playback singers Chetan, Hemanth and others on the dais.

Sonu Nigam said he is here because of the positive vibrations with the team, Mano Murthy mentioned that today’s hero is Sonu Nigam and we have attempted very good in music to reach the public. Versatile actor Ananthnag in the third film of Yogaraj Bhat thanked the special role offered to him plus he explained the difficulty and happiness of shooting in Karavali region.

Jayanth Kaikini known for some good comparisons at the right time said Yogaraj Bhat has made ‘Parakaya Pravesha’ of younger generation. He is like Sachin Tendulkar at the striking end and I am like Rahul Dravid he pointed.

Power Star Puneeth Rajakumar wished the team success and the people I believe would make it successful he felt. Raghavendra Rajakumar pointed how significant the music of the film becomes in the success of the film.

Diganth is remembering the song Belakina Seere Udisuve…….every night he goes to sleep from this film. How it was possible he asked Jayanth Kaikini…by experience said Kaikini.

The local playback signers Hemanth and Chetan thanked the director Yogaraj Bhat for not give up them. Cameraman of the film Thyagu is expecting good results for the film ‘Pancharangi’

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUG3gJ7xTMY

Sonu Niigaam Sings For 'Eno Onthara '

Eno Onthara (2010)
Music Director: Harikrishna V
Producer: Chandrashekhar M - Director: Mussanje Mahesh

Eno Onthara is a remake of the hit Tamil film Khushi. Mussanje Mahesh, the director of Eno Onthara, has written the story, screenplay and dialogue.

This is Priyamani’s second film in Kannada after she debuted through Puneet Rajkumar’s Raam.

The star cast of Eno Onthara includes Srinivasamoorthy
Tejaswini, Jai Jagadeesh and Sharan.
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http://www.musicindiaonline.com/album/31-_Kannada_Movie_Songs/35545-Eno_Onthara__2010_/#/album/31-_Kannada_Movie_Songs/35545-Eno_Onthara__2010_/

Sonu Niigaam Records Video National Anthem !!

Salim-Suleman record a youthful National Anthem
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Independence Day is just around the corner and it's also the time for heightened patriotic emotions. Musician Salim Merchant along with his brother Suleman has recorded a youthful version of our national anthem 'Jan gan man' for MTV, which is sung by, Sonu Niigaam, Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan Kailash Kher
Shreya Ghoshal and Salim Merchant.

Comments Salim Merchant, 'MTV approached us with this idea. I was really kicked about it. I felt it is fantastic to give something back to our own country. MTV chose us to represent young India. But you cannot really change the anthem. So we have done it in contemporary manner only. It is very youthful with very little liberty to make it sound young. We have done it in term of instruments guitar and piano in very minimal manner.'

A video is also made of the same.

Source: http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/10/aug/11-salim-merchant-records-a-youthful-national-anthem-081002.asp
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A contemporary anthem for the Indian youth
Come Independence Day and the patriotism within us goes on an upsurge, which is why perhaps music composer Salim Merchant decided to compose a rendition of the new National Anthem.

Sung by Kailash Kher, Shreya Ghoshal, Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Niigaam and Salim himself, the song is a one-and-a-half minute composition. However, since the National Anthem cannot really be changed, the new element is added in the form of acoustic guitars, piano and voice back. “The composition is made in a way that it sounds like a prayer,” says Merchant.

He says that the music company has taken care that there are no official issues involved with the reworked version. “I was really kicked about it. I felt fantastic to give something back to our own country,” adds Merchant who was very keen on making this composition when approached with the idea
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Sonu Niigaam To Perform At Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava (BGU)

The 12-day extravaganza will feature the best talents in the City

The 80-member team of Sri Vidyaranya Yuvaka Sangha is all set to host Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava (BGU) from September 11 to 22. The 12-day cultural extravaganza will be held at APS College Grounds, Basavanagudi and will feature the best talents in the country.

S M Nandish, the managing trustee of Sri Vidyaranya Yuvaka Sangha, said that the organisation has been upholding the rich tradition of culture and heritage through magnificent presentations of music, dance and drama for 47 years. “Established by noted literate Ku Ra Sitaram Shastri in 1962 and patronised by stalwart of Kannada literature D V Gundappa, ‘BGU’ has been a major cultural festival of South Bangalore. Three lakh people witnessed the 12-day extravaganza last year,” he said.

He informed that the 48th ‘BGU’ will feature performances of Pandit Jasraj, Hema Malini, Sivamani, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan with his sons Aman and Ayaan, Master Hirannaiah, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Kailash Kher, Suma Sudhindra, Vijay Prakash and Praveen D Rao.
This year, in an endeavour to revive the traditional art form rangoli, BGU is holding Rangarang — the Rangoli Utsava to create magnificent designs in vivid colours. “The preliminary round was on August 8 at APS College Grounds and we are expecting 1,500 contestants. Top 100 participants will showcase their talents across the length and breadth of DVG Road in the finale on September 12. The first three prizes will be 100 gm gold, 50 gm gold and 25 gm gold respectively,” he said.

“Aromas of Karnataka — The Food Utsava, that was introduced last year, continues to be part of the celebrations. Cooks from six regions of Karnataka will bring in the most delectable traditional cuisine,” he said.

Sivamani, the famous percussionist who has been consistently performing on this platform for over 10 years, was present at the media briefing.

“I have seen the evolution of Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava through years of my association with it. Performing at the Utsava is a sheer honour and a pleasure. It should become an inspiration for the youngsters to pursue art as a career,” he said.

Sonu Niigaam At Akriti Kakars b'day bash !!

Where had all the singers disappeared on Saturday night?

Well, they were all chilling out at Akriti Kakar’s birthday bash. The singer welcomed friends and well-wishers from the music fraternity, including Monty Sharma, Neeraj Shridhar, Abhijeet Sawant, Hard Kaur, Ishq Bector, Manasi Scott and many more.

Sonu Niigaam was one of the last ones to enter the happening do. Siddharth Kannan, Shweta Bharadwaj, Rajesh Khattar and Sanjay Gadhvi were some of the other guests who made sure the night was one rocking one. And since so many musical people were part of the do, it wasn’t surprising that the bash ended at a high note!

Sonu Niigaam Sings Folk & Sufi !!

Versatile musician and percussionist Bickram Ghosh recently launched the music of his third Bollywood film score, Gumshuda.

While his last score was for Sooni Taraporewala’s Little Zizou, this time around, there are five songs scored by Ghosh for the whodunnit directed by Ashoke Viswanathan. Singers like Sonu Niigaam (with whom Ghosh is collaborating for a world music album), Sunidhi Chauhan, June Banerjee and Rupankar have all sung songs in the album.

While Sonu Niigaam's ‘Dhoondo’ touches different genres like folk, Sufi and classic rock within the framework of a single song, Sunidhi's Tanha Rahein veers towards jazz and blues.

When asked whether he is looking towards Bollywood more seriously now, Ghosh said, “I think it’s always going to be some interesting, meaningful films now and then for me, since performing will always be my first priority.”


http://www.gumshudamovie.com/

Sonu Niigaam Released The Music Of 'Gumshuda '

Sonu Niigaam released the music for the long awaited movie Gumshuda
See Launch pics Venue: The Renaissance Club

http://www.bollywood.com/sonu-nigam-gumshuda-film-music-launch-renaissance-club

Sonu Niigaam Sings For 'Chirru' - Music Out Now !!

The audio launch of Chiranjeevi Sarja's much-awaited Chirru was conducted in a different style yesterday; it was launched through Udayavani newspaper by giving the CD free with the paper. The CDs will also be available at all music stores from today.

This innovative way to release the music was to get maximum audience interested in the music and the film. The makers of the film say it is also a way to cut piracy.

Chirru, which promises to be a hit. Kriti Kharbanda plays the female lead.

The songs are melodious and many are catchy numbers. It has been filmed in some of the best locales in India and abroad. Camera is handled by Sundaranatha Suvarna.

Chirru is scheduled to release later this month.

1) Ille Ille Ello
Sonu Niigaam & Shreya Goshal
Lyrics : Ghouse Peer

2) Ninna Kannallide
Sonu Niigaam
Lyrics : Jayanth Kaikini
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Starring: Chiranjeevi Sarja, Kriti Kharbanda, Kiran
Music: Giridhar Divan
Lyrics: Ghouse Peer, Jayanth Kaikini
Producer: Suresh Jain - Director Mahesh Babu
Music On Jhankar

Sonu Niigaam Sings For 'Bo Mamo'

Alvina Films, a Mumbai Based media and production company is working on its 100 crores ventures of India’s first Animation TV series “BO MAMO”.
This is the maiden venture of Alvina Films on which they have started the work in 2006 and is scheduled to be completed in 2010.The series consists of more than 100 characters and an adventurous journey to 50 different regions.
BA MAMO is a story of a baby mammoth , his friends and their adventures. The duration of each episode will be 24 minutes and the budget of each episode is around 45 lakhs.
BA MAMO is all set to hit the small screen next year.

Singers: Sonu Niigaam, Aadesh Shrivastav, Richa Sharma
Roop Kumar Rathod, Vijeyta Pandit, Kunal Ganjawala
Neeraj Shridhar, Shaan & Kailash Kher

Music: Aadesh Shrivastava - Lyricist: Javed Akhtar
Director: Shabuddin Chowdari

Pics: http://hamaraphotos.com/bollywood/events-and-parties/10-top-musicians-jam-for-animation-film-bo-mamo.html

Sonu Niigaam ''Composers Conspired To Not Give Me Work” -

Sonu Niigaam who was recently in news for having deleted his twitter account after being panned by his followers for having sported two pig tails in one of his music shows, is now back in scene with a reality show Chhote Ustad.

He would be seen judging the kids singing reality show that has roped in 10 Indian kids and 10 from Pakistan. They will together form 10 teams in which each team will have one Indian child and one Pakistani child. The teams would compete against each other and not the nationality. The show aims at spreading the message of love and peace across the countries.

As we all know Sonu has been choosy about the TV shows he has done so far. In a candid interaction with media he spoke about the appeal of Chhote Ustad. Scroll down to also find out Sonu’s opinion on religion and cosmic energy.
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You are one of the popular reality show judge on television and now you are set to judge the kids in this show.
According to me judging is wrong concept. Since it’s a format of the show it has to be done. I don’t think that I am capable of judging someone just because I am somebody big. Also I don’t think that I am better than the contestants who I am suppose to judge on the show. There can be someone who is better of me. It’s just the matter of age.

You have been very choosy about doing shows on TV, so what made you take up this show?
I liked the concept as I believe it is difficult to change the adults’ mentality. If they have grown with the view that Muslims are enemies or Hindus are enemies they will continue to believe so, no matter how much you pursue them. So when the children from the neighbouring country would come to our nation and receive the warmth here, definitely they would go back and spread good words there. It has to begin from somewhere so why not us. For sure, you will see the difference soon.

How do you look at religion?
I feel religion should be domesticated and not internationalized. It means one should follow the religion at home but should not create noise of it. The minute religion steps out of house, peace is disturbed and hostility prevails because one tends to promote his/her religion as superior most.

Isn’t the reality shows are adding pressure on these little ones?
As far as the pressure of competition is concerned, competition exists in schools as well. The reality shows are good platform for kids to learn and gauge their standings. Sachin Tendulkar did not decide to become cricketer at the age of 18. He had been playing since he was a child. So when these kids participate in reality shows, they actually avail the opportunity to learn.

Today as a leading music personality, what do you suggest to all those children who aspire to make career in music?
I would suggest to their parents that they should teach their children at least one instrument so that the child does not rate the songs as good for the number of times he has heard it but for the quality of it.

You have worked with Gajendra Singh in past as well.
We have seen the days when we use to shoot three to five episodes in a day. It use to be so hectic that I had started dreaming of Sa Re Ga Ma when I am asleep. At that time there was no voting system. In a day we use to have several guests on the show for the different episodes and then I had to prepare respective songs in their honour. I remember I have written my own scripts so many times. So I would sum up saying that the bond has grown stronger by the day.

You have been constantly doing something or the other with your hair.
What if someday I turn bald! You never know about men hair fall. I simply grow them. Last time I trimmed my hair in October. Also it’s my age, I can’t carry the same chocolate boy look all my life. Also I like to play with my hair do.

You are the first Indian to delete your twitter account.
I was not there on twitter to let people know that I got up or I had food. I am too good with words to do something of that sort. It is also dangerous for blunt people like me. If somebody’s writing wrong things about me obviously I would react to it. I had started giving back to people in a manner I was not suppose to, so I finally decided to delete it as I realized it is bread and butter of the people who are doing it but not mine. I should not retaliate to it. I will be back on twitter just for the music workshop. For that matter, Facebook is better as there you have a choice, here in twitter anybody who likes me can follow.

You have also been singing less in films these days.
When I said that I have reduced on work I did not mean that am not working. But the leading composers like Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Vishal-Shekhar and Pritam made it a point that if he’s not singing let’s not give him work only, and they all made the best use of this opportunity. It’s been a long that I sang for them. That’s not right, instead one should look at it in a way that when the person is exclusive that means he is not selling cheap.

What do you have to say about many Pakistani singers flourishing in India?
If one is destined to earn name and fame in India it will happen to him. His destiny has already been written. It is all upon the one’s cosmic structure. I completely believe in cosmic structures, it is difficult to comprehend but everything in this world happens for a reason.

But it’s never other way round. We have never seen any Indian singer flourishing in their country.
When there are two brothers, one is rich and the other is poor. The richer one would only be able to help the poor one, similarly when our industry is stronger than theirs obviously it becomes our responsibility to help them avail the opportunities here. We have a market for our music and films there and also our industry appeals them. Give and take is between equals. If we are capable of giving then why not!

Sonu Niigaam & Shaan Sing Together !!

Renowned playback singer and successful television host Shaan will be a celebrity guest on 'Chhote Ustaad - Do Deshon Ki Ek Awaaz' this weekend. The accomplished playback singer is no stranger to the Chhote Ustaad platform, and is very popular with kids and adults alike. This Saturday's episode on STAR Plus has Shaan singing with Sonu Niigaam for the very first time ever! With their very good personal and professional rapport, Shaan and Sonu set the stage on fire with their electrifying performance.

Shaan has not only released very successful albums like 'Tanha Dil' and 'Aksar', but also sung for many hit Hindi, Bengali, Telugu and Tamil films. Sonu's songs have been featured in numerous Hindi, Kannada movies, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu movies. He has also released numerous Indi-pop albums and acted in a few Hindi feature films. It's a treat for viewers to watch both these immensely talented voices sing, Dus Bahane in perfect sync with each other.

Also, in the episode, many secrets are revealed during the Friendship Test.
Sonu reveals that Omi is seeing someone else and the host goes running for cover...Shaan puts Sonu in a spot by declaring that he will reveal one of Sonu's best kept secret...something that Sonu doesn't want the world to know...What secret is Sonu scared to reveal to the world?

Produced by Saibaba Telefilms, 'Chhote Ustaad - Do Deshon Ki Ek Awaaz', presents a first-of-its kind musical reality show that brings together young talent

Dabangg : Soundtrack listing and details

Dabangg : Soundtrack listing and details

Sonu Niigaam Ft: In - Dabangg - Audio Listen Now !!

http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/audiolisting/13793/index.html

We Are Family - Music Now Released !!

Sonu Niigaam's Friend Kunal Ganjawala In ‘Chhote Ustaad’ On Friendship Day

August 2, 2010: Bollywood’s music industry has some unbelievable friends like renowned singer Sonu ‘Niigaam and his friend Kunal Ganjawala, who is also a well-known singer of the industry. On the friendship day episode of Star Plus’ reality show ‘Chhote Ustaad’ on August 1, Kunal Ganjawala joined his friend Sonu as a guest judge of the show.

The recently launched show of Star Plus is being judged by Pakistani musician Rahat Fatel Ali Khan and Sonu Niigaam. The friendship of Sonu and Kunal goes back a long way. They know each other since the time when Sonu was a host of Zee TV’s music based reality show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma’. Kunal participated in the show as a contestant then.

Almost two decades ago, Nadeem of Nadeem-Shravan fame introduced Kunal to Sonu. In this highly competitive industry, it is nice to see a friendship between two leading playback singers!

–Sampurn