Sonu's 10 tips for struggling singers

1. First and foremost, I would advise an aspiring singer to stop criticising others.

The more you criticise others, the more you find faults in others, the more you envelop yourself in a negative aura.

2. The attitude, "Arre yaar, yeh kya gaata hai, isse achcha toh main gata hoon (What does he sing? I sing better than him)," reeks of overconfidence.

That can be a singer's undoing.

3. Keep an open heart.

Believe in yourself and everything will happen by itself.

4. Riyaaz karna zaroori hai (It is important to practise), but unless you stop finding faults in others, you will not be sincere in your riyaaz.

Find the likeable qualities in your idol (whether it is Adnan Sami, Lucky Ali, Udit Narayan or Kumar Sanu). Look at their positive attributes. Inculcate them into your art.

5. If you want to be able to yodel like Kishore Kumar, you have to notice that quality in him.

Be observant, keep your ears open.

6. Participate in shows like Indian Idol if you get the opportunity.

When I started, I gave myself four years to make it in the industry.

But today, anonymous people like Amit Sana or Abhijeet Sawant can become stars in a month. You are offered an excellent platform that makes you famous and helps showcase your talent to millions.

Also, once recognised, you can earn lakhs of rupees. Most important, you get a host of opportunities.

7. An upcoming singer has to keep up with the times.

Sure, everybody can't dance or claim to look handsome -- it is not in your hands.

But having a positive attitude on stage works for you.

I don't think any of the singers in Indian Idol were ravishingly good-looking -- they were average to good-looking -- but they stood out because of their singing prowess and confidence.

8. The more genuine you look and sound, the easier it is to touch peoples' hearts.

If you claim to be humble when you are not, you will ring a false note.

9. I eat oily and cold stuff, I don't do much parhez (restrict myself from forbidden stuff).

If you want to, fine, but riyaaz is more important. It tones your voice.

10. It is not wrong to begin by copying your idol.

Lataji (Mangeshkar) was inspired by Noorjehan, Ashaji (Bhonsle) by Geeta Dutt, Mukeshji and Kishoreda by (K L)Saigal, Rafisaab by S M Durrani.

As for me, I copied everyone, from Rafisaab to Kishoreda to Manna Da to Lataji.

Those who begin by copying others and then find their own individual voice establish their versatility.

Those who begin as individual voices often find it difficult to vary their voices.

I think with Kal Ho Naa Ho, I have found my voice. In the past too, there have been songs where I sound cent per cent original, but I would rate Kal ho na ho as a prominent song.

This singing sensation has just one belief - `the woods are lonely, dark and deep and I have promises to keep; and miles to go before I sleep'. A darling of the masses he has a special place for himself in the hearts of his fans. He is a true go-getter and his tryst with life is brought out in Sony's show Sonu- The making of a star. Sonu Niigaam has a talk with Misha Malhotra and shares his bitter sweet experiences.

Sonu: The singing sensation

So how did you start your career as a singer?
I gave my first performance when I was three. I guess the talent has been imbibed in me from my childhood. And the credit for this should be given to my dad. I also owe a lot to the late Gulshan Kumar who gave me a lot of faith to carry on.

How did Miditech think of 'Sensational Sonu Niigaam - Making of a Star'?
I guess, it's because of their love that they thought of taking me as a star and talking about my life. It is basically in collaboration with Sony Entertainment Television. The full show is divided into 4 episodes. The first three being about my life and my journey. Here, they would tell the audiences about my achievements, the trials and the tribulations I have gone through. And last part would be the concert.

Are you also looking at films right now?
Well, I am not really looking at films. I am concentrating more on television, singing and private albums. I keep going for shows abroad. Plus, I would prefer doing a prestigious good role rather than just wasting my time in mediocre films.

Are you going to be part of Indian idol 2?
As of now there are no plans of my becoming a part of Indian Idol 2. But as soon as there is something I would definitely let the audiences know about it.

How was it to settle in a place like Mumbai? Was it difficult to adjust?
I am basically from Delhi, and had always thought that it would be so difficult to settle here in Mumbai. But to my surprise it has been a great decision to settle here. The work culture over here is too good to begin with. I think people here are more workaholic than anywhere else. If they have a commitment they make sure that the work is done in time.

What do you do when you are not working?
I spend my time sleeping or working out once in a while; which helps me rejuvenate myself. I am not a socialite hence I don't love to party much. Apart from this, I love going on holidays.

Any special thoughts that you would like to share with your audiences?
I would love to thank them for appreciating me and helping me reach where I am today. They are an inspiration for me to work harder. I just wish that they should continue to bestow their blessings on me.

The album is okay...i didn't like the songs that much...

Admin: is sonu nigam ur favorite singer? It sure seems like it.

Will Try to Have Sonu Live One Day for BMRiens :P

that would be the day.......

ooooo cool

Plz play chanda ki doli for me or there is anywhere on web where i can get it in MP3 format i don't wanna rm format