SONU NIGAM'S MESSAGE !!

To all the fans of Vijay's blog, a very happy Christmas and a great new year to u. Keep blessing and supporting genuine music and genuine music lovers.. Lots of love and prayers. Sonu Niigaam 18/12/09
"I know now Oh Lord, how much You love me, after I see my own self love my son !" (Sonu Niigaam (080708 0830am IST, Bangkok, Millionaire Hilton, room 2328)

Namaste, Salaam, Sat Shri Akaal & Welcome !!

Latest News !! Music now released !! Breaking News (Mumbai Mirror) (Music Out Now) (Simpallaag Ond Love Story) (Music Out Now) (Zila Ghaziabad) (Music Out Now) (8.20) (Malayalam Movie) (Bloody Isshq)(Music Out Now) (Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga - Music Out Now!) (Sonu Nigam's 'Vayuputras' Now Released!) (Chashme Baddoor - Music Out Now!) (I Love NY - Music Out Now) (Shootout At Wadala - Music Out Now) (Ale - Music Out Now) (Bulbul - Music Out Now) (Rangeelay (Punjabi OST)- Music Out Now) (Kaddipudi - Music Out Now) (Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 - Music Out Now)

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SONU NIGAM AT EVENTS

SONU NIGAM AT EVENTS
Sonu Nigam At Ajmer Sharif 12-04-13

Sunday 30 September 2012

Sonu Nigam Ft In Ishqk In Paris!

"Jaane bhi de" brightens up the mood and it is a sheer pleasure to hear the melodious voices of Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan on the same platform. The piano and guitar are a delight and with minimal experimentation in the composition, the composers help retain the romantic flavour of the lyrics.

The duet is just sublime and delivered to perfection. There is also a solo version of the song by Wajid which is equally good. Although it's hard to choose between the two, one tends to vote in favour of the former, purely because of the beautiful blend of two melodious voices.

Rounding up the album is "Kudiye de kurti" which has Bollywood superstar Salman Khan shaking a leg with the pretty Preity. The song is high on energy and brings out the Punjabi flavour well with rhythmic dhol beats and harmonium. Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal have upped the love quotient with their energetic voices and set you in a groovy mood.

Full Revveiw!
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/news-and-interviews/Ishkq-in-Paris-soundtrack-reflects-varying-moods-of-love/articleshow/16602948.cms

Saturday 29 September 2012

Sonu Nigam Live In Gujarat - 24 NOV 2012


SONU NIGAM LIVE IN AID OF THE UNDERPRIVILEGED AT SHREE KRISHNA HOSPITAL, KARAMSAD
(Fundraiser) - Charutar Arogya Mandal

SHREE KRISHNA HOSPITAL, KARAMSAD - ( 24-Nov-2012 - 24-Nov-2012 )
State / City : Gujarat / Anand
Area of Focus : Health
Beneficiaries : Women,Children,Others, Poor Patients
Short Description : For more than a decade, Sonu Nigam has captivated audiences across globe with his melodious voice. The playback singer now comes to Karamsad, a small town near Anand in Gujarat, on Saturday 24,2012 to sing for a cause; Treatment of the poor patients coming to Shree Krishna Hospital, who are unable to afford treatment costs.
Description :

Dear Sir/Madam,

For more than a decade, Sonu Nigam has captivated audiences across globe with his melodious voice. The playback singer now comes to Karamsad, a small town near Anand in Gujarat, on Saturday 24,2012 to sing for a cause; Treatment of the poor patients coming to Shree Krishna Hospital, who are unable to afford treatment costs.

Given the patient's economic background , getting hospitalized for further treatment drains a family's spiritual, metal and financial resources. Many a time the patient's family forsakes the treatment, thereby losing the opportunity to improve his/her health quality of life. The hospital seeks to enhance its efforts to raise funds for these underprivileged patients through Sonu Nigam's performance. The fund raised will be placed in the Corpus fund and its income dedicated towards meeting the costs of treatment for these patients who are not in a position to afford it.

As a part of these efforts, the Hospital also bringing out a Souvenir. to released by Sonu Nigam. We appeal to all establishments to contribute to this important cause.

The rates for the advertisements are as follows:

Souvenir Advertisement

1. Back Cover (Colour) - Rs 1,00,000/-

2. Inside Cover (Colour) - Rs.60,000/-

3. Full Page (Colour) - Rs.18,000/-

4. Half Page (Colour) - Rs.12,000/-

5. Full Page (Black&White) - Rs.11,000/-

6.Half Page (Black&White) - Rs.7,000/-

On-site Publicity

1. Main Gate - Rs.1,50,000/-

2. Inside Gates - Rs.75,000

3. Banners - Rs.30,000/-

Please send us your contribution via chque/ draft in favour of "Charutar Arogya Mandal" payable at Anand. It may please be noted that donations received for treatment of Cancer & Cardiac patients, including for blood components, are eligible for 100% exemption from Income Tax under section 35 AC. Other donations received by Charutar Arogya Mandal are eligible for exemption under section 80 G of the Income Tax Act. For receiving exemption under 35 AC, the donor is required to furnish Permanent Account Number.

Rakesh Parikh

Patient Support Group

Shree Krishna Hospital

Charutar Arogya Mandal

Gokal Nagar

Karamsad-338325

Anand, Gujarat

Ph: 02692-228414

Email; helpus@charutarhealth.org

Source: http://www.ngomarketplace.com/events_detail.php?src=events&evid=692

Friday 28 September 2012

Sonu Nigam Is Parineeti Chopra's Favorite


Sonu Nigam Is Parineeti Chopra's Favorite ! by moviezadda

Sonu Nigam Rocks Karnataka!

The booing crowd waiting anxiously with placards greeting
Sonu Nigam was given a fine treat by India’s one of the best playback singers.

The program of Sonu Nigam musical evening was held at National College a few days ago. A short documentary on the life of Sonu Nigam was received with applaud. The mammoth attendance and affection extended moved the magnificent singer of this country Sonu Nigam.

Nazaron Se Nazare Mili….Rang De Basanthi, To Ne Jo…Tu Bas Dede Mera Saatha…started one after the other that kept the music lovers in happiest mood.

Eight on the instruments, six in the dance department took part in the lovely musical concert of Sonu Nigam. When the song Pyaar Huva Ikraar Huva…Aja Aaja… Mere Saponki Rani Kab…Dil Mangatha Hai…Hasthe Rahe Thu….Kab Tak Jawani….thrilled the audience. For some of the songs there was response via dance from the youths.

Indian Idol fame Minal Jain also joined Sonu for Roobi Doobi…and there was demand for the Kannada film songs.

Karnataka is my second home. So much of affection I have received in this place. When I sing the Kannada songs it is heart touching for me.

For the demand Sonu Nigam sung the favorite song E Sanje Yaakagide….. Nee Sanihake Bandare Hrudayada Gathiyenu…. And very popular song Ninnindale Kanasondu Shuruvagide…further brought excitement.

It was two hours musical show Sonu Nigam really looked ‘Sonu’ for the music lovers.

Source: http://www.supergoodmovies.com/49853/sandalwood/sonu-nigam-steals-the-show-news-details

Sunday 23 September 2012

Sonu Nigam Singing Ganesh Aarti At Ganesh Galli

Sonu Nigam & Shreya Ghoshal Sing For Suruchi Sangha

A-listers Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal are singing a special Puja number for Suruchi Sangha

Rupang dehi jayang dehi yasho dehi disho jahe... Before rain clouds give way to a clear, azure sky and Kolkata wakes up to the sound of Mahalaya on the airwave, chances are these shlokas from Chandipaath will find a new voice.

Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal, both A-list singers from Bollywood, have come together for a theme Puja single for state minister Arup Biswas' Suruchi Sangha. The song meticulously weaves in the chants at the end of the song. Credit for making the duo come together goes to composer Jeet Gannguli.

Making Sonu and Shreya lend their voices to a Puja song is no mean feat. Says Jeet, "The trend of customising songs for Puja began last year. It was Arupda who had asked me to compose a number. This year too we are treading the same path. Sonu is a dear friend and while recording for Raaz 3, I asked him if he would be interested in singing for Suruchi Sangha, which also happens to be my own club. He agreed. Shreya and I share a comfort zone. That's how things fell into place."

The lyrics, penned by Jeet's wife, Chandrani and Kazi Kamal Nasser, go like — Dulchhe sagar, bhangchhe dukul, jonopath shob dubchhe. The theme of Suruchi Sangha this year is Goa and the song is in sync with the ideation. Says Chandrani, "Every year, Suruchi tries to convey a social message through its theme. While last year it was about the impact of terrorism on Kashmir, this year the Puja theme revolves around marine pollution and its effect on Goa. Hope we manage to drive home the message through this single."

Jeet, who has finished recording the song, has added to it the sound of the shaankh. "I decided to blow the conch shell myself as it gave me a Puja feel, sitting here in Mumbai," he says. And what about the feedback? "Arupda has liked it. I'm waiting for Kolkatans to listen to the track," he adds.

Souurce: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/bengali/news-interviews/Sonu-Shreya-to-sing-a-special-number-for-Suruchi-Sangha/articleshow/16513109.cms

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Sonu Nigam To Perform At Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava!

Music director and singer Devi Sri Prasad is all set to perform his first ever show in Bangalore on September 21. The talented music director, as he has been doing with his previous films, will mesmerise the audience with his chart buster songs all evening. "3 more days for my 'First Ever Show' in Bngalore..on 21st..National College Grounds.6.30pm! So Bnglre, Let's Rock together n hav FUN.!!:))" (sic) he posted on his micro blogging site.

As a part of Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava's 50 years celebration, Sri Vidyaranya Yuvaka Sangha has extended the invitation to Devi Sri to perform and the music director obliged. To make the show special and spectacular, Devi will be seen rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sonu Nigam, Ilayaraja, Yesudas, Shankar Mahadevan etc. for the show.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/telugu/news-interviews/DSP-to-perform-in-Bangalore/articleshow/16445407.cms

Sonu Nigam At Le Club Musique!

Le Club Musique by Gitanjali, an exclusive music club was launched last weekend.

With scrumptious food and wine doing the rounds, it was a musical evening with Adnan Sami putting up a spirited performance. The music club, a collaboration between Bina Aziz and Lucky Morani, aims to capture the magical essence of music through events for a niche audiences.
Adnan Sami regaled the audience as he sang Bheegi Bheegi Raat Mein and Kabhi Toh Nazar Milao while singers Sonu Nigam and Shaan also joined in for a bit. Also spotted enjoying the evening were Riyaz Gangji, Sapna Mukherjee, Azeem Khan, Salim and Sulaiman and many others.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/filmi-parties/bollywood/Le-Club-Musique-by-Gitanjalis-launch/articleshow/16434606.cms

Tuesday 11 September 2012

Sonu Nigam Sings For Prem Adda! Music Out Soon!

Director of a few successful films Prem (husband of actress Rakshita) is known for creating hype for his films as director. When he is an actor? It has to be in multifold. From the title of this film 'Prem Adda', it is in controversy list and lives in the memory for a fight with Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce.

Now the issue of title is in the city civil court and decision is pending, actor Prem, director Mahesh Babu and producer cum actor Murali Krishna of 'Prem Adda' are tight lipped. One song of the film Kalli Ivalu Kalli Ivalu Manasa Kadde Bittalu.....shot on Prem and Kriti Kharbanda (she looks so sweet in close ups) and promo of the film was released on Saturday night at Renukamba Digital Studio in Malleswaram.

Director Mahesh Babu was happy for all the work completion except one song on Ragini that will be stored in the end of this month.

At Rajajinagara Ramandira ground in 4th block, actor Prem film 'Prem Adda' audio is releasing in the presence of bigwigs on the Ganesha Festival day September 19. As of now Anand audio has released the audio CD to the market. V Harikrishna has scored the music.

No Sunny Leone for 'Prem Adda' item song. When we contacted her manager it was Rs.25 lakhs but after her film release in Hindi 'Jism' she increased the payment to Rs.2 crores. We dropped her from the list and included Ragini for the item song. The five songs of this film are penned by Yogaraj Bhat - this will be shot on Ragini at a private resort. Tushar Ranganath who passed away recently, Nagendra Prasad, Malavalli Saikrishna, dialogue writer of the film and one from my pen are part of it stated Prem.

Govindu, director of big and small screen is in the role of Prem elder brother in the film 'Prem Adda'. Six directors of Kannada cinema have acted in this film - Prem, Sharan, Govindu, V Manohar and Murali Mohan.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/85908.html

Saturday 8 September 2012

Sonu Nigam Sings For Salman Khan In 'Ishkq In Paris'

1. "Kudiye Di Kurti" Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal
2. "It's All About Tonight" Sunidhi Chauhan, Sophie Choudhary, Rahul Vaidya
3. "Jaane Bhi De" Wajid
4. "Teri Choodiyan Da Crazy Crazy Sound" Wajid
5. "Jaane Bhi De(Duet)" Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan
6. "Saiyaan" Rahat Fateh Ali Khan


MUSIC OUT SOON!

Ishqk In Paris - Music Reveiw!
We then move on to Jaane Bhi De. There are two versions of this song, though the lyrics remain unchanged. The first version is a duet by Sunidhi Chauhan and the great Sonu Nigam. The second version is a solo sung by one half of the film’s composers Wajid Ali. The duet version is very melodious and has a nice romantic feeling to it. You can hear instruments like the piano and the guitar which complements well with the mood of the song. It also contains pleasant and meaningful lyrics which add to its appeal and quality. Chauhan and Nigam perform very well and the tone of their voices fits perfectly with this particular composition. The solo version by Wajid is also great and he injects the precise emotion and tone into the song needed to ensure it is equally favoured alongside the duet version. The songs are superb on their own, but I think they will have an even bigger effect when we see the picturizations to them in the film. Overall, it is very nicely produced by Sajid and Wajid, as well as by Kausar Munir who has penned warm lyrics for this particular song!


Finally we have the dance number Kudiye Di Kurti, performed by Sonu Nigam and the lovely Shreya Ghoshal. Already sparking interest due to Salman Khan headlining this song as part of a cameo appearance in the film, it has a likeable and rhythmic tune to it which will remain in your head. It is a fast up-tempo track with a very strong Punjabi flavour to it and contains the use of various instruments, including the dhol drums and the harmonium. The Punjabi theme to the song is definitely visible when you see the shortened music video to it as part of the film’s promos. Ghoshal provides a good effort in her one track appearance in the album. However, it is really the energy and passion which Nigam exudes using his talented voice which adds zing to the song. This will surely contribute to its popularity. Despite ‘Kudiye Di Kurti’ being a well composed song, it is not one of the best songs picturized on Salman Khan. Nevertheless, this should not deter you from listening to it, which is arguably one of the best tracks in the album!

Source: http://bollyspice.com/49036/ishkq-in-paris-music-review

Wednesday 5 September 2012

Sonu Nigam Delights His Fans In Washington DC On 31st Aug 2012!

Washington DC - If I had to conjure one artist in my mind that excels in multiple musical genres i.e. Classical, Ghazal, Qawali, Sufi, IndiPop, Bhajans, etc. that would be none other than the versatile singer – Sonu Nigam. He has won numerous awards in a career that spans two decades since he began at the age of 19. On August 31, he performed live with the Symphony Orchestra at the 10,000 seat Patriot Center that was filled to near capacity by screaming ecstatic fans.

I can reminisce of the day I first saw Sonu Nigam on the show Sa Re Ga Ma in 1995, which became one of the most popular shows on Indian television and launched the careers of many budding new artists. His distinctive style has not only won him a plethora of accolades, but most importantly, he has become a role model for emerging vocal talent in India. He has sung in many languages including Hindi, Kannada, Bengali, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, English, Bhojpuri, Urdu, Nepali, Chhattisgarhi, Malayalam and Marathi.

The live concert in Washington DC “Klose To My Heart” was presented by Manish Sood of Intense Entertainment LLC. It is part of the 40 day world tour by Sonu Nigam and his band of musicians covering the Caribbean islands, Canada and the U.S. The concert tour which began in June 2012 in Atlanta, GA, will take Sonu Nigam to 15 cities in the United States and Canada.

The opening act was performed by the melodius singer Jonita Gandhi from Toronto who has performed with Sonu Nigam on several tours. She opened up with a hit song that was originally sung by the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar “Lag Ja Gale” followed by “Aao Na Gale Lagao Na” (originally performed by Asha Bhosle). The multitude of enthused fans chanted voluminously for Sonu Nigam to make his appearance on stage. In the midst of a flood of colorful lights and pseudo pyro effects, the singer made a grand appearance dressed in a red-lapelled white suit. The crowd went into a rapturous frenzy screaming hoarsely in excitement. Sonu Nigam belted out numerous songs that were originally sung by Mukesh, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi, Manna Dey, R.D. Burman, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar. He paid a special tribute to the late Mohammad Rafi with the romantic song “Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho” which had women in the audience singing along with him. Sonu Nigam began his singing career at the age of three, when he joined his father on stage to sing Mohammed Rafi's "Kya Hua Tera Vaada” from the film Hum Kisise Kam Nahin.

Sonu transported the audience across the different eras in Indian music by singing songs that included: “Main Shayar To Nahin”, “Ye Mera Dil Pyar Ka Deewana”, “Zindagi Ek Safar”, “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani”, “Janu Meri Jaan”, “Yeh Dil Na Hota Bechara”, and many others. He paid a special tribute to the late Jagjit Singh who he holds in high esteem. He sang the song “Tum Itna Jo Muskura Rahe Ho” that touched the inner echelon of emotions of many in the audience. Sonu also paid tribute to Mehdi Hassan Khan, the famous late Pakistani ghazal singer and also a former playback singer by singing “Ranjish Hi Sahi”. Another actor that Sonu made a special reference to was the late actor and Indian superstar Rajesh Khanna. He sang the popular song “Mere Sapno Ki Rani” from the movie Aaradhana (1969) as a tribute to him.

Sonu also paid glowing tributes to the late King of Pop - Michael Jackson. Last year, Sonu had performed with Jermaine Jackson on Michael Jackson’s second death anniversary at the IIFA Rock concert in Toronto. He also thrilled the audience by doing the famous Michael Jackson Moon Walk as well as engaged the audience while singing “Main Shaayar to Nahin” from the 1973 widely popular movie- Bobby. He invited the throngs of fans to approach the vicinity of the stage and dance to his number – “Bijuriya”. The crowd acquiesced by making a bee-line to the stage area and breaking into various Bollywood dance moves under the watchful eyes of the security detail.


Sonu also graciously entertained requests from his audience by singing numerous songs – “Suraj Hua Maddham” (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham), “Kal Ho Na Ho” (Kal Ho Naa Ho), “Saathiya” (Saathiya), “Mein Hoon Deewana Tera (Deewana)” and others. It was refreshing to also see those in the audience from the Baby Boomer generation get on their feet and dance energetically to the hit number “Aei Meri Zohra Jabeen” from the movie Waqt (1965). Hats Off to Sonu who energetically electrified and entertained the audience for over three hours with many songs that spanned generations, music eras, genres, languages which undoubtedly is the hallmark of a “Superstar”.

Sonu has come a long way since his early years in Mumbai which proved to be a struggle, when he started by singing covers of Mohammed Rafi songs, mainly for a number of Rafi Ki Yaadein albums released by T-Series. The audience at the Patriot Center saw a musical genius who has transformed the Indian music industry and is constantly scaling new heights. He continues to inspire a whole new generation of young musicians and singers who along with Sonu Nigam will bring respect and glory to the art of music both in India and globally.

The event was a huge success gauged by the content faces of the thousands of fans who trudged out of the Patriot Center past midnight with the memory of Sonu Nigam’s enchanting music reverberating in the serene night.

Source: http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=342940

Tuesday 4 September 2012

Sonu Nigam Sings Anthem For National Literacy!


Sibal Begins Awareness Campaign for 'Sakshar Bharat'
PTI | New Delhi | Sep 03, 2012
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"We might send Chandrayan to moon and mars mission but if we don't give education to our women, we can't fly."

With theses words, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal today launched a mass awareness campaign for the success of the Saakshar Bharat Abhiyan programme here today that will employ a host of mediums including television ads to reach out to the people.

A National Literacy Anthem composed by acclaimed lyricist Javed Akhtar and sung by Alka Yagnik and Sonu Nigam was released at the historic Red Fort by Sibal.

The mission, which covers adults beyond the age of 15, has assessed close to two crore adults and issued literacy certificates.

The aim of the new awareness campaign is to give a boost to this ambitious programme whose benefits are yet to reach all the corners of the country.

"We will take literacy, education and empowerment to every village in the country," Sibal said at the launch where he unfurled the literacy theme flag.

Emphasising the importance of female literacy, Sibal said that "we might send Chandrayan to moon and mars mission but if we don't give education to our women we can't fly."

He also said that the mission will need contribution from society, volunteers, Grampanchayat representatives and Bollywood celebrities to make it a success.

"We need cooperation from all sections of our society, including volunteers, Grampanchayat representatives and Bollywood people who can inspire us," he said.

A promotional video featuring Shahrukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Shabana Azmi was also launched. The video is available on Youtube.

Speaking at launch, Javed Akhtar said that it is only through education that social equality and justice can reach everyone.

"People who were left behind will be covered in this mission. Adult education is very important, especially female education," Akhtar said.

Jagmohan Sighn Raju, Director General, National Literacy Mission Authority, said that they are targeting to cover 70 million people in next five years under the mission.

"Our target for the next five years is to cover 70 million people out of which 60 million will be females," Raju said.

Ringtone of the anthem was released by D Purandeswari, Minister of State, Human Resource Development.

Anshu Vaish, Secretary Department of School Education and Literacy said that India needs freedom from illiteracy.

Source: http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=774075



Sonu Nigam Sings For Drama!

The only one song balance for Yogaraj Bhat film 'Drama' was shot in the late night settings featuring Yash and Radhika Pandit by cameraman S Krishna. Yogaraj Bhat has finished the shooting for the film with this song.

Chendutiya Pakkadalli thumba haththira Ninthu....was shot in the peculiar color set for the location by cameraman S Krishna. At the Hong Kong bazaar night time in Gandhinagar and Shivajinagar small lanes to get rugged feel was shot for this song. V Harikrishna is the music composer for 'Drama' the highly expected film of Jayanna Combines.

This is one of the important songs in 'Drama' sung by Sonu Nigam.
Sonu Nigam had taken six hours to complete this song.
He hopes that the film song will be top of the chart.

The youths of today are under the impression that they know everything. In reality they will not know much of the realities and truth of life. We are touching upon 'Bombe Shastra' - that may look superstitious. The truth is tapped finally from the character. The role of Ambarish is my favorite says Yogaraj Bhat.

Yash and Radhika Pandit leading the cast, there is Ambaish, Satish Ninasam, Malavika, Rajasekhar Naidu, Mysore Balanna, RGV, Sangeetha, Naveen, Hamsa Pratap, Kruthi Bettad, Bengaluru Nagesh, Chetan, Jaiker, Raaghu, Ashok, Shyam, Ranjan, Kumar Arase Gowda, Ravi Santhehakku in the supporting cast.

There are six assistant directors with Yogaraj Bhat for this 'Drama'. Veerendra, Mahesh, Raj Patthipati, Manjunath, Hanif and Rajasekhar Patil are assistant directors. For DOP S Krishna, Karunakar, Nataraj, Nilakanta Swami, Sandy, Harsha and Swamy are assistants.

Source: http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/85659.html

Monday 3 September 2012

Sonu Nigam Making Music With Bickram Ghosh!

Acclaimed as one of India’s most talented Tabla exponents, Bickram Ghosh has taken his passion for the instrument beyond the confines of Indian Classical music to touch fusion and other genres.

Son of noted table player, Pandit Shankar Ghosh, from whom he learnt to play the Tabla, Ghosh reinterpreted musical styles and pushed the boundaries of the instrument and is now among the most innovative Tabla players in the world. Known to experiment with music and culture, his music is strongly influenced by thumri and khayal genres of the Patiala gharana. He dabbles in a vast repertoire of musical genres, from classical, rock, new-age, fusion to film music. He has collaborated with Sonu Nigam to compose the music for the film ‘Jal’ and has also scored music for many movies including the Mira Nair production, Little Zizou.

In a chat with Radioandmusic.com’s Zuala Chhangte, Ghosh speaks his latest album ‘Timeless Tabla’, collaborations with talented singer Sonu Nigam and his journey in the music world.

Excerpts:
What 'triggered' you to return to classical music for latest work- ‘Timeless Tabla’?
I had never gone away from classical music which is my core area and first love. I had taken a hiatus from heavy performance of classical music to concentrate on new age fusion which demanded full time attention. However, I have returned to the classical world with back to back performances. I am seriously juggling between Classical and fusion performances and film compositions ( Sonu Nigam and I have teamed up for films).

Tell us about your new album ‘Timeless Tabla’.

Many people who love my classical work have been telling me to release a recording of my live performances with the large variety of musicians I performed with. Like a mini anthology of my classical work-Timeless Tabla- is my way of addressing this demand. It has a range of my performances with Pt Ravi Shankar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pt Shivkumar Sharma , Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Pt Tarun Bhattacharya amongst others and Tabla solo excerpts as well. I have performed with almost all the great artists of this era and this album was long due.


What were the influences during making of this album- in terms of music and message?

The music showcases the variety of work that I did primarily in the 90s and early 2000s. I think the interesting part is how I use aspects of different gharanas of tabla playing to accompany different musicians. The solo work is primarily influenced by my father Pt Shankar Ghosh's amazing creations. The message is that - a Tabla player needs to have tremendous knowledge and ability to interpret different styles of music to appropriately perform with other instrumentalists. This is often overlooked.

How do you plan to promote the album? Are you using the social media and internet?
Social media and the internet are intrinsic parts of our lives today. Of course Timeless Tabla is being promoted by my management and publicists - Sony music - through new media like FB, Twitter etc.

Is it still a viable option to produce albums for physical music in today’s shrinking market?
It is very important to continue doing so though piracy has really affected the market. However the sales have been translated largely onto the net and download. Timeless Tabla may be downloaded easily from the Sony website.

Which are your upcoming Bollywood projects?
I am currently working on two films with Sonu Nigam- ‘Jal’ directed by Girish Malik and ‘Sooper Se Ooper (SSO)’ directed by Shekhar Ghosh. Jal has three songs and SSO has six songs. A range of singers from Shubha Mudgal to Mika Singh are singing for both the music albums. We are currently working on the background for Jal. Our sound is called ‘Muddy Electronic’ and we use our full names in credits - as ‘Sonu Nigam’ and ‘Bickram Ghosh’, not as Sonu-Bickram.

You had also played with the late George Harrison (of the Beatles).
Can you share your experiences?

I played for George (Harrison) for the first time on the Pt Ravi Shankar directed, Harrison produced ‘Chants of India’ (1996). Even today people come and talk to me about that album. George gave me a lot of love and respect and when he invited me to perform for his (posthumously released, Grammy nominated) album ‘Brainwashed’, I was elated.

It was indeed a great honour to play for him and I remember spending the entire day with him in his house in Henley on Thames, recording in his Dark Horse studios, talking about a range of topics from Indian Classical music to John Lennon. George was deeply spiritual. He would affectionately call me "Prince of Tabla" behind my back. A mutual friend once told me this and I was touched. I can never forget his sadhu-like presence, calm and collected, smiling.

Source: http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/bickram-ghosh-tabla-everest-amongst-percussion-instruments

Sonu Nigam To Perform With Shaan & Mika!


Sonu Nigam, Shaan and Mika will soon be in Jaipur for the wedding sangeet of Toshi and Sharib's sister

Jaipur-based singers, Toshi and Sharib Sabri, are gearing up to usher in the nikah of their sister on September 13 in Jaipur. While the singers have performed at the wedding of a lot of people, now is the time for them to perform at their sister's sangeet. "When it is the sangeet of our sister, people can expect something out-of-the-world. There will be lot of music, fun and dhamaal," says Sharib. Besides family and friends, the wedding will see a host of celebrities from Bollywood. "Many from the film fraternity have been invited for the wedding and we are expecting renowned singers and our friends Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Mika, among others to grace the occasion and celebrate with us," Sharib shares.

Otherwise on the professional front, the brothers are busy composing music for the sequel of Yamla Pagla Deewana, Warning and Bhaiyyaji Superhit.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/music/news-and-interviews/A-filmi-sangeet-in-Jaipur/articleshow/16207203.cms