Renowned for his timeless melodies like 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' and 'Yeh Dil Deewana', legendary playback singer Sonu Nigam has recently shed light on a lesser-known aspect of his life: the intense physical discipline akin to an athlete's that powers his performances. Currently engrossed in his high-energy 'Satrangi Re India Tour' across seven cities, Nigam spoke candidly about managing grueling three-hour live sets while recovering from a significant injury.
The Athletic Demands of a Musical Maestro
In a revealing interview, Sonu Nigam described the immense physical toll of his concerts, drawing a direct parallel between his profession and athletics. "My job is musical, but also athletic," he stated, emphasizing the need to maintain peak fitness levels. This discipline was put to the test earlier this year in February, when he suffered a painful back sprain that he likened to feeling a "needle in the spine."
Despite this setback, Nigam has adhered to a rigorous fitness schedule to meet the demands of his ongoing tour. He acknowledged the challenges of performing through health issues, noting, "Sometimes I catch infections because of weather or pollution, but I keep a check on my health and vocal prowess." For him, a concert doesn't merely begin at showtime; it starts from the moment he wakes up, requiring mental and physical preparation throughout the day.
A Glimpse into Sonu Nigam's Pre-Concert Ritual
Nigam detailed a strict 'day-of' protocol that he follows to ensure his voice and body are primed for the marathon performances. "On the day of the shows, I don’t meet people or go out, however beautiful the place may be," he shared. His routine involves dedicated mental preparation, practicing on his tanpura, and committing to an hour-long workout at the gym.
Perhaps the most touching part of his ritual is the team huddle before stepping into the spotlight. "Before the concert, I hold hands with my entire team, thank God and the audience as they are the reason that I am here," Nigam revealed. He visualizes this moment as a "huge circle of people holding hands," a testament to his grounded and spiritual approach to his craft, which he humorously admitted makes him "a little mad like that."
Paying Homage to a Regional Icon
Kicking off his 'Deewana Tera' tour leg in Guwahati, Sonu Nigam paid a moving tribute to Assam's late musical icon, Zubeen Garg. Performing for a massive and appreciative crowd, Nigam's act turned into one of the city's most memorable and emotionally charged musical evenings in recent years, celebrating the region's rich musical heritage.
On the Work Front: Recent Projects
Beyond the tour, 2023 has been a busy year for Sonu Nigam's studio work. He lent his vocals for actor Sidharth Malhotra in the song 'Pardesiya' from the film 'Param Sundari', which was composed by the duo Sachin-Jigar. Additionally, his popular track 'Bijuria' found a new life in a modern rendition for the song 'Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari'.
