Sonu Nigam, an Indian singer changed my perspective on how I look at the mic.
Forever.
He said, “Two stories happen for every performer.”
One story happens behind the mic.
The other unfolds when you actually perform in front of the mic.
What you do before approaching the mic defines your discipline and character.
Sonu Nigam had opportunity to sing Mere Dholna 3.0, a popular franchised song from movie Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
The song demands exceptional Indian classical vocal control, range, transition and breathing.
Previous singers (Shreya Ghoshal and Ariji Singh) have already pushed the boundary.
Sonu’s challenge was how to reinvent himself and still achieve the new peak.
At 53, he decided to practise like a new comer.
Like he got his first gig in his 20s.
He wrote every musical notes (sargam and taan) in his diary. He had intense and deliberate practise for 10+ hours.
On the recording day, he performed the complicated song like a jingle in an hour and realised something.
The world see you as an expert only if you take less time in front of the mic.
You have to spend lot of time behind the mic to achieve that level of mastery.
It took ten hours to practise behind the mic.
And one hour to perform in front of the mic.
It take same amount of time and effort.
You have to decide.
Which side of the mic you want to spend time?
–
The below is the song if you are interested to listen.