Sonu Nigam, I seem to recall, came like a whirlwind, and bowled out the competition in a jiffy! He seemed to possess all of the lethal weapons in his personal arsenal...Zaheer Khan's yorker, Irfan Pathan's inswinger, Anil Kumble's googly...umm...I'm dreadfully sorry, I'm still on the hangover from the India vs Pakistan test match.
Well, as I was saying, as I rudely interrupted by the 99% of my brain that focuses on cricket all the time, Sonu Nigam became an entity almost overnight. One moment Kumar Sanu and Udit Narayan were singing in all movies, and the next they were totally outsted by Nigam. Many came, like Shaan and Abhijeet, but no one was able to make an impact into the music industry, as Nigam was. With his boyish good looks, his enthusiastic nature and his 18 year old lover boy voice, Nigam had managed to make place in the hearts of all Bollywood music lovers.
Nigam has certainly improved from his original stance. His songs have held more and more meaning as years have progressed, and his voice has aquired greater depth and more ability to convey emotion. In fact, one of the ways to do justice to a modern day love song, is to get it sung by Nigam.
The rest of this review will be spent in an attempt to think of and pen (or rather, type) in 10 of Nigam's best in Bollywood. It is a shame that I'll not consider his albums, but it could not be helped, since there is such a huge repertoire of Sonu's filmi songs, that if his album songs were included, I would probably spend the good bit of the rest of today picking and choosing...
So anyway, here goes. Please keep in mind that I have not made any attempt to rate these songs in any order. These are just some few numbers sung by Nigam that I have enjoyed over the course of many years.
Chup Chup Ke, Bunty and Babli: Ever since its release, this song has enthralled listeners with its vivacious yet soft melody, as well as its touching https://lyrics. Although the movie, Bunty and Babli didn’t make it’s impact felt on the box office, people flocked to buy the movie’s soundtrack to get their hands on this particular song.
Mujhe Raat Din , Sangharsh: Sangharsh was an impressive movie, with great acting from Akhshay Khanna, Preity Zinta, and a favourite of mine, Ashutosh Rana. In this thriller, again, Nigam adds to its popularity by singing perhaps one of his most cooing love songs, in which a besotted guy asks for the hand of his dream love. A very well sung piece, and the filming of this song, a mix between love and suspense was very cleverly done.
Tanhayee, Dil Chahta Hai: picturised on Aamir Khan, this song echoes of love lost. Dil Chahta Hai happens to be one of my favourite movies, and this soulful song sung with such vivacity by Nigam, one of my favourite numbers.
Satrangi Re, Dil Se : Nigam himself claimed that Satrangi Re was one of the best numbers that he’s ever sung, and in this case, I’m in no mood to disagree with him. Giving voice to Shah Rukh’s enraged and love struck cries, Nigam outdoes himself when it comes to this particular performance. As well, Nigam shows his critics that he can lend his voice to a variety of numbers.
Tu Fiza Hai, Fiza : Fiza brought to me one of Karishma Kapoor’s and Hrithik Roshan’s most remarkable performances. The story of love and of separation inspires the agony in the poet in all of us. Tu Fiza Hai is a heart-wrenching song of a lover trying to comprehend the pain and the charm of his beloved.
Dheere Jalna,Paheli: Paheli, in my opinion, one of the better movies of 2005, owes a lot of its success to its soundtrack. A whirring vibrant number, Dheere Jalna shines out in an intoxicating soundtrack. Nigam’s abilities to add magic to any scene in any blockbuster is again indisputably proven.
Soona Mann Ka Angan , Parineeta: a compilation of one of Tagore’s most beautiful pieces, Soona Mann Ka Angan is a proud favourite among most Bengalis, like me. However, Nigam’s voice adds an unforgettable touch to the song. Coupled with Goshal’s innocence, this number is not to be missed!
Saathiya , Saathiya: Filmed in addition to Vivek Oberoi’s irresistible charm and Rani Mukherjee’s brilliant eyes, Saathiya makes everyone remember the joys of youthful love. Nigam’s voice does not lessen this effect, in fact, works to reinforce it.
Tu Jahaan, Salaam Namaste: In Nikhil Arora’s (Saif Ali Khan) life, where there is no space for love, Nigam’s rediscovers his hidden emotions in this number. A heart-wrenching number because of the situation it finds itself filmed on, this song was one of the better of a modern-‘n’-jazzy soundtrack of Salaam Namaste.
Sarforosh Ki Tamanna, The Legend of Bhagat Singh: Stirring the soul of every patriot, Sarfarosh Ki Tamanna, Nigam beautifully adds voice to a song that echoes the cries of freedom-fighters all over India. It’s extricating melody and heartfelt lyrics brings tears to the eyes of every Indian believing in their nation.
Do add your comments and list your preferences in the comments section! I’m eagerly awaiting your views…
