When three year old Sonu Nigam joined his father Agam Kumar Nigam on stage to render the Rafi hit, ‘Kya hua tera waada’, the casual eye saw the blending of two generations.
By Aravind Ramachandran
http://entertainment.in.msn.com/bollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3071181
It was the dawn of a fresh talent, but few could identify the magnificence of that moment. Sonu looked cool. He was, by then, addicted to the limelight, having accompanied his father on a number of shows and soaked in what fame, or the lack of it, could rain on a performer.
Success in various music competitions provided apt stepping stones for the star he aspired to be. Encouragement came from no less an icon than Anu Malik, and there was no way the young Sonu Nigam could go back to a life short of the stardom he craved for. The next stop was Bollywood.
His surname may not have meant much, but Sonu Nigam had something to fall back on. A treasure trove of songs from the legendary Mohammed Rafi lay before him. It was time to bask in borrowed brilliance. The volcanic talent that lay beneath seemed to justify the ambition. And Mohammed Rafi was living, once more, albeit through a replica.
Albums in the ‘Rafi ki Yadein’ series caught the fancy of India and Sonu Nigam had found the niche he was to fill. Mainstream Bollywood woke up to the new personality and absorbed him into its heart. A few customary ups and downs later, Sonu Nigam became a star in his own right.
Drastic fast forward! Stop! Play!
Renamed Sonu Niigaam, he is now a full fledged star with a fair deal in the game of fortunes. He chooses to return the favour to the Original in the album, ambitiously titled ‘Rafi resurrected’, and the subsequent tour, 'An Evening in London’.
Sonu Niigaam once again unleashes the Rafi clone in him. This time, the glory is mutual. He joins hands with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in his attempt to `resurrect’ Mohammed Rafi. The largely Asian audience is generous in their applause, and Sonu Niigaam gives them what they seek.
The concluding performance at the London Coliseum seals the alleged generation gap in music. The combo is stimulating. The charm of the cherished tunes is effortlessly blended with the modern persona of the musician. The man who made his name in the industry as a Rafi clone is on course to justify the tag. And then he breaks free from the mould.
The uncertainty is evident. Are we saluting the original classics, or is it a not-so-silent acceptance of the modern generation? That brief moment of indecision is the essence of the recognition extended to Sonu Niigaam.
As our new Aaj ka Fankaar is being crowned, we resist the temptation to put to test the extent of this mystique. Did the classic legend just sigh in relief?
Source: India Syndicate
No comments:
Post a Comment