Sonu Nigam(I Am Past The Stage Of Copying Mohd Rafi)

He’s all set for a 45-day trip to America for shows. His new hairstyle makes him look very hip; he’s been working out at the gym and the muscles are beginning to show. Sonu Nigam is very thrilled with his new album’s release. A lot seems to be happening on the personal front too. Read on to catch up on this hot young singer’s exciting plans.

What is this new look all about?
I wanted to do something different. My hairdresser, Aleem, told me that this style would make me look much better. I resisted initially, but finally agreed. So now, I am sporting this hairdo, longer, more curly hair, with a few streaks near my forehead. Honestly, I am enjoying this change. There is so much competition from all quarters.

What happened to the films you had signed? Has work started on them?
No, they haven’t started yet. I’ve signed films with Tips, Akash Arora and Raj Kumar Kohli, but they have to commence. Actually, I have had no time from my singing yet.

What’s your new album Yaad all about?
It is basically a romantic album, but the sound is different. I have tried very hard to make it sound new. T-Series is promoting it very well. One video Jeena hai tere liye is already on air, starring Riya Sen and me. The second song, Dekha maine sara jahan, featuring model Malini Sharma and me, will soon be aired on all the channels. All the music companies want me to sing romantic albums and that is how it always ends up. I have to agree, because they are investing a lot of money and want to play it safe. But soon, I will do something different.

You have shifted to a new house...
Yes, it feels good to have your own house. I have not forgotten the days when I lived in a crammed house and washed my own clothes. When I was in Delhi, I wanted to be an astronaut. But I ended up as a singer to achieve what my father, Agam Kumar Nigam, couldn’t succeed in doing. Besides, it was a paying profession, and I always wanted to be very rich. So, it feels really good today when I see my dreams getting realised. But believe me, I have worked very hard to reach where I am today.

You do a lot of shows abroad…
I enjoy performing live. Besides, the money is very good. In fact, I am performing in major American cities on a one-and-a-half month tour.

You are always accused of copying the legendary Mohd Rafi....
Mohammed Rafi is my God. Whenever I feel low, I remember him. I wish I could have met him when he was alive. As far as copying him is concerned, I agree that in the beginning of my career, I did emulate him, but later, I developed my own distinct style. Today, when you hear my songs, I don’t sound like any other singer. Even critics say that I have my own style today.

You lie low as far as your personal life is concerned...
That is the way I am. I prefer sitting at home and doing my own thing, instead of attending parties and socialising. I don’t attend award functions, because I never seem to win any. So I bypass every opportunity I receive to attend these functions.

What is the buzz in your personal life?
Years ago, I was dumped by someone I loved a lot. After that, I kept drifting from one affair to another like a vagabond. But finally, I have found someone I love a lot. I plan to marry her next year. I am very serious about this girl. She is not from the film industry. It has taken me over a year to fully realise my feelings for her. I am very happy with her.