‘It’s extremely shameful to not learn our lessons from Italy’
All of us have understood one simple truth and that is to slow down and let the universe take charge,” says Sonu Nigam from Dubai where he’s currently with his family. The singer believes the 21-day lockdown in India, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, will help everyone slow down and introspect. He talks about live-streaming a concert during the long break and is happy to be the flag bearer of a new format of entertainment for the world. Excerpts from an interview:
Your thoughts on the 21-day lockdown?
It’s extremely essential for a country with a population like India. I hope people understand its seriousness. According to my father, people are still taking morning walks or loitering on roads. It’s extremely shameful to not learn our lessons from Italy.
In our busy schedules, do you think slowing down was needed?
I believe the real story of our lives is unknown to us. I guess, humanity needed to be shaken up to refocus its attention on basics. The biggest perk, I feel, is that people must now be ashamed of wasting their precious time and energy on hatred and bitterness under the pretext of religion and nation.
How are you making the most of this time of social distancing?
I’m comfortably parked in Dubai with my family. I spend my time bonding with my to-be teenager son, working out with him, teaching him and my wife cycling, practising music, listening to Osho, searching facts and mysteries on web, watching movies and praying. I believe though it’s important to spend time with family, it’s more important to spend time with your own self. One who is not comfortable in his own company is in the wrong company.
There is a lot of fake news which is creating a lot of panic. What do you think is the best way to battle it?
Even scientists are trying to figure out what the true nature of Covid-19 is. Thus there is bound to be misinformation. I don’t dig too deep into all information, just stay in touch with the updates regarding the virus. It’s my belief that what you empower too much becomes your reality. Nothing can be predicted with confidence at this point. All we can do is minimise our expenses and get down to the ground realities.
Do you think it’s a good time for artistes and musicians to come up with newer creative concepts and experiments?
Yes. I managed a live concert from Dubai to be streamed worldwide, which has received a wonderful response from the world. We didn’t monetise it. It’s an expenditure that I incurred. If we’re able to devise a plan to get a return on investment, then we’ll surely create a new medium for entertainment.
I believe the real story of our lives is unknown to us. I guess humanity needed to be shaken up to refocus its attention on basics. SONU NIGAM MUSICIAN
In a bid to avoid overcrowding amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a 21-day nationwide lockdown was announced starting March 25. This seemed to be the final blow to the already crumbling restaurant industry in Mumbai. Ever since the city’s first positive case was reported, the number of diners witnessed a slump. “There was a 50% fall in demand in the initial stages of the outbreak,” says Mihir Desai, founder and owner of Corum Hospitality Pvt Ltd.
Annie Bafna, owner, The Nutcracker, says initially people remained indoors and were comfortable ordering food online. “However, as the crisis has grown, people are opting to eat at home. We saw a fall of 50% in delivery orders in the past week,” she adds.