‘WHAT ABOUT ARTISTES WHO ARE SUFFERING AT HOME ?’
Sonu Nigam says artistes are always relied on when there’s a need for fundraisers, but the last one and a half year has been completely despairing for them
We have to learn to live with Covid-19,” says Sonu Nigam, who has been recording songs and rehearsing in “safe places” like regularly sanitised recording halls. The singer hopes that the live scenario opens soon as there are no concerts happening and many musicians, artistes and technicians went through a tough time in the last one and a half year. Nigam is worried for them as “not earning anything for such a long period is really a tough”. He says, “I would request the government to think about the music industry. When there is a need to raise funds, artistes are relied on and are the first ones to come forward, but now the same artistes have been suffering at home. We need to be there for them.”
The singer feels that while the third wave is a concern, getting vaccinated and stepping out for work is also the need of the hour. He explains, “Worrying won’t help. Vaccine is an important step. After both jabs, I feel protected. Vaccinations help reducing the mortality rate. Of course, practising all safety protocols — be it wearing a mask, social distancing or sanitising is important too.”
No vaccines for kids in India is another cause for concern, Nigam reveals that his son, Neevan, 9, got vaccinated in Dubai.
He shares, “Many of my sister’s friends came to Dubai to get the Pfizer vaccine for their kids as it is available there. Vaccines for kids should be allowed and I hope it is available soon in India as well. In fact, schools should open as should local trains. We can’t stay at home and be confined. Log kaam nahin karenge toh ghar pe bhooke mar jaayenge!”
The singer who’ll turn 48 on July 30, admits that now he has started understanding gratitude better.
“People say they don’t want to feel old but I don’t mind growing old as I feel age and experience have taught me many things. Ab toh akal aayi hai, zindagi ka matlab samaj aaya hai. Pehle jawani ke nashe mein tha and now I know how wonderful life is. I realise what gratitude is. I feel that I am aging gracefully,” he says.
He has been busy recording for two projects and has made songs for corporates but rues that, “There is nothing happening for now but independently there is a lot of work. Any creative mind can be as busy as you want to be.”