"I've burnt my hands as an actor"

Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam spoke to editor Prabhu Chawla about his singing style and acting stint in movies

Q. There's no competition for you in Bollywood.

A. There's a lot of competition.

Q. You started singing when you were 25.

A. That was my destiny. It was a kind of passion to learn how to sing.

Q. Is your father a good singer?

A. Yes. His album Bewafai was number one and the song Shukriya, shukriya dard jo tumne diya was a hit.

Q. How did you get into music?

A. I grew up watching my parents sing on stage. Once when my father sang Kya hua tera wada on stage I started to cry. Then I went on stage and sang the song.

Q. It's been 31 years since your first song. What about acting in films?

A. I've burnt my hands as an actor. One has to devote at least 100 days for a film. I realised that I could sing as many songs in the same time.

Q. So you will never act again?

A. Not right now. I'm the highest tax-paying singer in India. I want to sing more.

Q. What is your singing style?

A. I started with singing like Rafi saheb. Then I got some exposure to Western music and sang Ye dil, diwana.

Q. Critics say you can't sing on a high pitch like Mohammad Rafi.

A. I've sung such songs like Pukar's Kismat se tum hamko mile ho.

Q. You also sang the patriotic Sandese aate hain.

A. Yes. I've sang the largest number of patriotic songs among new generation singers.

Q. Then you sang Kal ho na ho.

A. The credit goes firstly to Karan Johar. I'm here because of him. Kal ho naa ho was composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

Q. Who have you sung duets with?

A. With Alkaji, Sunidhi Chawhan, Lataji, Aashaji.

Q. The fastest song you have ever sung?

A. Tujhey lagi na najariya, Ishq kamina, Nikal le bhaiyey.

Q. How will we see Sonu Nigam in future?

A. Nothing is certain about me.

Seedhi Baat is telecast on Aaj Tak at 8.30 p.m. every Sunday and 3.30 p.m. every Monday