Disappointing Sonu Nigam at London on Rafi songs
This article is written by Mr. K.S. Ramachandran
Sonu Nigam, much to my expectations, sang Rafi songs very normally. In fact, I would rate him much much lower than what he used to sing when he came in about 13years ago through Saregama. His voice has conspicuously deteriorated with his singing all types of medlee/Hindi pop songs and of that sort.
He was always a fast singer and now-a-days with his singing Hindi pop and medlees, he is even faster. His first song Yaad Na Jaaye from Dil Ek Mandir was like traveling in Nilgiri Express, while the original song by Rafi is slow deep expressive and extremely emotional. This was the general pattern in which Sonu has been singing these days with his impatient attitude to sing slow numbers very fast is very painful. “Muje Teri Mohabbat Ka” from Aap Aaye bahar Aaye” was again a deep number with full of rhythm and Sonu sang like a breeze..
Rafi songs are predominantly slow with rhythm and with so much of labour in his singing – be it depth, dard, range, voice modulation, expression, emotion and what have you.
I was however amazed with the orchestral excellence with the british national giving interlude music to the T. The 75 piece orchestra was par excellence and I could not find anything different from the original music by the composers. Indian orchestra bands doing shows should take this as an example to see how well the symphony was directed and delivered. Another wonderful experience – nothing like original and natural instruments – playing with a 30 team violin for the right interlude music was way way ahead of playing the same tunes today on a key board.
I thoroughly enjoyed the orchestra and was really a treat.
hello all those who felt ‘hurt’ due to the article itself and also some of the comments, in particular my own comment at no.1 in this thread. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone’s sentiments. we admire sonu nigam and the effort that he is trying to put in to present the songs of rafi sahab and we give due credit to him on this score. only you must all understand that it is very natural for us to compare the songs of rafi sahab with those presented by sonu nigam, for we too were sure that sonu nigam would do a highly commendable job. if it were not so, we may not have watched the telecast of the show and in its entirety, you will all agree. what we were trying to impress here was that we were dissapointed. we felt that sonu nigam could have given a much better rendition as he too is a versatile singer. the changing of the words from ‘an evening in paris’ to ‘an evening in london’ however remains to me a ‘gimmick’. again, this should not be construed as any disrespect to sonu nigam, but then the original lines cannot be replaced in a show that claims to ‘resurrect’ rafi sahab. however much you want your audience to be involved in the musical show, one should never make parodies of songs and present them with the original lyrics. if these are not pointed out, some day some other singer may even try to present these lovely songs in a totally different composition (read tune) and this then certainly becomes a ‘mockery’ which i had referred. i once again wish to impress upon all that we like sonu nigam and enjoy his songs and we are proud that he did take the name of rafi sahab to greater heights by staging this programme in the u.k. if we do express our dissappointment, it should be taken in right spirit. i regret for my comments if they have hurt anyone’s sentiments, which never was my intention in the first place. let us bury the hatchet is my appeal. thanks.
I agree with most of the comments left by Sonuji fans. Sonuji was not trying to sing songs on a level that Rafi Saheb would, he was just trying to sing those songs in tribute to Rafi Saheb and he did a tremendous job. I was not present at the concert but I have the album and I love every song. Hats off to Sonuji who made an effort to give shradanjali to Rafi Saheb. If even one of you could accomplish what Sonuji has then good for you if not none of you has the right to critize Sonuji and literally rip him apart. Just think about you are saying before saying anything.
God Bless You Sonuji!!! continue to enlighten us with your heavenly voice
While it’s obvious for everyone to see that Mr.Ramachandran from TamilNadu is not a professional journalist or a music critic, he could have done a huge favor to himself and his article by thinking of something better than the “Nilgiri Express” to make a comparison. Now, where did that come from?
First of all, I’m not sure how qualified this gentleman is – to write an unprofessional article, questioning the talent or to criticize a singer like Sonu who’s a legend in his own right (without being a Rafi clone). I’m not even going down that road now…
Secondly, the programme was called “A tribute to Rafi” and NOT “I am better than Rafi”. Sonu does NOT have to imitate Rafi or even try to sound like him anymore. He’s made his name and fame and has his share of the limelight – by just being himself – Sonu Nigam. People all over the world love him not because he sounds like Rafi but ,as we know, he is a legend in his own right. This was just a tribute to Rafi saab and Sonu tried to do it his way.
Mohd Rafi and Sonu Nigam belong to completely different generations. For this very simple reason, one cannot be compared to the other.
I fully agree with Mr.Ramachandrans views. This was exactly what I felt when I saw the concert throgh TV channel..
I love and respect Sonu, being perhaps the only singer in India who can come closer to the legend Rafi Sahib than any one else now in rendering the great melodies. Of course some of his renderings were great.
My feeling is that Sonu was a little overconfident at that time.He showed unduly hasty in some of the slow memorable songs of Rafiji and of course his voice did not give the rich timber he used to give , may be as Ramachandran put it was due to his excessive rendering of the present day fast nonsense they call songs
Yes friends you all are right.
Sonuji said it earlier that he had done no modifications in the songs because he wanted to maintain the original flavour of the song, else he would have done “N” number of modifications in them..
He never said that he wanted to or that he has already surpassed his IDOL, he indeed regards him as his father, he always keeps Rafi Sahab first and then comes on to himself..
Manier times on shows as well as interviews he has said that “How can we forget that I have come into the industry with Rafi Sahab’s voice.”
He said that he has got to know his original voice after Kal Ho Na Ho, so how can he disrespect Rafi Sahab, he has been so honest everytime, he is never shy of saying these things whereas any other singer might feel shy saying it on the camera nationally that he came into industry with another voice..
How can u ppl be so ridiculing??
And however it is of no doubt that his voice is closest to Rafi sahab.
Listen to the song which he sang in rememberence of Rafi Sahab in the beginning of the show
ie TERE AANE KI AAS HAI DOST,
and then listen to the original track by Rafi Sahab and then again listen it subg by Sonuji. you will see a striking resemblence of his voice to that of Sonuji..
I don’t have words as well as space to say about Sonuji in context to Rafi Sahab, please respect Rafi Sahab’s soul and Sonuji.
He is the national icon for India, respect him…
Its really sad to write these things about sonuji. Most of indians would comply with me saying that sonuji is the most versatile singer in bollywood circuit today. On drawing comparisons personally i am completely against comparing art especially performing arts. There is no doubt that rafi saab is far superior than sonuji which sonuji will accept since the time rafi saab used to perform they used to have live rehearsals with the whole troupe. But do we have a better singer than sonuji who can even think of repeating rafi saab’s stupendous voice quality and control, the answer is no. Thus drawing comparison is completely unfair. We have to b generous and thank sonuji that he made an effort to make us here those songs which were long lost in time.
thank you…
I have the opportunitry to see Sonu Niigam live and he was wonderful to watch. He sung the songss expressively ,truly reaching out the younger fans who adore Mohd Rafi saab but could hear him in person.
This was Sonu Niigam tribute to his mentor and never an attempt to imiitate.
Every moment during the cobncert, Sonuji has shared his wonderful moments with Mohd Rafi ji and how he asprire to be like him. Sonu is lives in awe of his guru and nothing else.
One should have an open mind and not stand to cirtize as this was truly an unforgetable moment.
Sonu Niigaam- your an inspiration to many and adored by many more. You sing from your heart and we hear your soul.
With best wishes and love
yes i do agree with all my friends that sonuji was excellent in the concert and no one should make stupid comments on such a great singer. we are their with you sonuji. god bless you you are too good to be understood by such people.
Dear Mr. Unbeatable,
Ref. post 34 & 35
First of all, greetings on becoming a part of this site. Surprisingly, you were not there on the site for so many years when we started discussing about our unmet guru, Rafi Sahab. We don’t call ourselves the fans but we are bhakts of that saintly figure. Suddenly you have started posting since there have been criticism about the Sonu Nigam concert. Although I personally liked the programme but it is not necessary that everybody should like the programme and always speak good about it. Why ?
And moreover, its a discussion, lets not get into any argument.
Can Mr. Unbeatable tell us, what is your dedication about collection of Rafi Sahab songs and what have u been doing to spread the fragrance of Rafi Sahab ? Hussein Bhai, Murty Sahab, Binu Sir, Mr. Ramachandran, Narayan Sir, Shri Umesh Makhija and many more, they have dedicated their lives to Rafi Sahab. How can one know about their dedication who is visiting this site just to support Sonu Nigam ?
I am myself a big fan of Sony Nigam but that doesn’t mean that I should put him at par with Rafi Sahab. I also do concerts in the memory of Rafi Sahab. I also get some good remarks and some criticism also which I have to take sportingly to make my next concert better than the previous one.
So, take a chill pill Mr. Unbeatable and stop pointing fingers at others. But, look at yourself you are discussing Sonu Nigam more than Rafi Sahab on a site which is dedicated to Rafi Sahab .
Discuss Rafi, Sirf Rafi, Baar Baar Rafi ! Yaad Na Jaye………..
Long Live Rafi Sahab !
Regards
Dear all,
At the very outset, I would like to clarify from my end that I am myself an ardent fan of Sonu Nigam and have been watching his program ever since he came to limelight. He is extremely talented and is always known for his inimitable style which anyone would acknowledge. He is undoubtedly the best amongst singers today to sing Rafi songs. All I wanted to say in the article was that he could have sung the songs at the normal pace and not hurriedly as in the show. That’s about all. That in no way makes him a lesser than a great singer. This in any case was my opinion which could differ from person to person and it is almost impossible to come to any consensus with a large population of Rafi fans around the world!
If Sonu is hearing me – I never ever meant to hurt you but only wished that you sing with the right pace of the song. My wishes are always there for you to be at the helm, heights and glory of all tributes, as one of the greatest singers of the new generation! God bless you!
Regards
KS Ramachandran (Chandan)
Sonu Nigam is really a talented singer. There is no second word for it. Last year he gave a fantastic stage show at Mysre Dasara. But he should have not made this project. Rafi is Rafi. Nobody in this world can replace Rafi. In my opinion, Rafi, Kishor, Mukesh, Lata and Asha, they are not human being. They are the messengers of Goddess Saraswati. So before taking the project, he should have tought 1000 times, whether it is worth doing or not. He has established his own image and trend in the minds of the present generation. He simply spoiled everything by doing this project.
During the show, he should have kept some popular anchor like Amin sahani of famous Binaca Geet Mala or someone, who are really too good. He was only talking and singing. That will spoil the entire quality of the show.
Anyhow, my intension was not hurting Sonu Nigam. He is a very popular singer in Kannada industry. We all love him.
Regards
Venkatesh
Stage Singer
Mysore
& yea I thng for sure he ws jus wowwwwwww
mind blowin
all dis words aganist doesnt make any loss to his performance which he gaved …………………………
CONGRATS SONUJIII
carry on ur work
well well its reli not true to say dis………I mean I only wana say dat I reli enjoyed wat sonuji did
reli excellent job………………. d thng not to bring out d mistakes but its d thng to appriciate …reli I mean how many try or evn thnk to try dis wat sonuji hd reli done ……he put all his efforts …
I ws enjoyin dat to d fuulest ,,,,,,,. I ws not born whn rafiji ws der
but yeah I hv listnd to him but u knw wat ……………..sonuji reli ws if ot him den near to him
…..dis articlke reli heartd me as dis article reli puts all efforts of sonuji in darkness …………if u cnt do smthng atleast one shd not try to discorage I will lik to see sonuji doin dis agn next tym………….. & I”ll agn listn & enjoy each & evy song of sonuji
…….
pore diil se
sonu bhaiya I treat u as ma god
my mighty & …………. srry I sed sumthn joh mujhe nahin kehna cahiye tah wat I jus cant read dis rubbish about u ……..
cheers 4 ur wrk me my family
my frn all attched to me luv ur performanec & I will luv to hv d frnot sit next tym whn u do dis……………
xxxxxxx
take care
While a person gives tribute to his elders by devoting them for something, it always does not necessarily require to be exactly as the Guru has been. and it should not be like that too…
The central thing in the event was that it was dedicated to a Maestro called Rafi Saab to whom Sonu Ji believes as his Guru.
He dedicated the same and did the best. It could not be better..
This is a human activity and not a machinery activity, where you can get a photocopy. This is a world where one can not even compare two eyes, leave two people apart.. One needs to understand the feelings rather than comparing the two legends………
All Sonu Nigaam fans love Rafi sahab
So let us compliment Sonu for remembering the immortal and doyen of Playback his Demi- God Rafi sahab….
He tried to pay rich tribute to his Guru and with his charizma brought the younger age group of 14 to 18 also to the magic of Rafi who do not get exposure to old melodies.
Yes there might be few flaws but replicate can never become ORIGINAL
All i can say is this..it was a fantastic effort from Sonuji.I really loved each song he sang..i have grown listening him…i believe this has one of the finest tribute he could give to Mohd Rafiji.
I really loved each performance of his..and expects him to give such tributes time and again..
The only person who could ever come close to Mohd Rafi is Sonuji.
Love u sonuji…
i think u have gone mad…remove this non-sense.
Has anybody of you guy, who is critizising Sonu Niigaam, performed on stage in front of a 75 piece symphonic orchestra ? Does anybody of you guys know to work with such an orchestra ?
I’ve attended two of the concerts myself and also watch it on Sony TV… This was the best performance ever, that I’ve seen yet.
If some of you complain, that he hasen’t not met the pitch…
you should know, that Sonuji has complained about the pitch to the orchestra already at the rehearsals – he knows 100 % well about Rafi sahabs pitch and he also knows to modulate his voice to meet it close to perfection.
Same about you complaining the speed…
You guys should know, that it was the transcription to the symphonic version of Rafi songs, which made the sound you’ve heard now and which made Sonuji sing the way he did…
This time he’s to go with the renditions of the orchestra and not the other was round.
So instead of bashing and critizing Sonuji, you should honor what he’s done – not for his fame , but for the fame of Rafi – to show the world, what great singer this legend was (even to those, who didn’t know him by now) and to pay tribute to him.
You guys name yourself Rafi fans – but you don’t understand the sense of music and therefore you don’t understand Rafi sahab.
He would NOT agree to you bashing and criticizing other singer and even less, if they pay tribute to him – Rafi sahab would be proud of Sonuji and would applaud to his work.
So shame on you !
And as some other person here already stated:
please wake up – Rafi has gone many years ago – keep up his memory, but appreciate the work of other singers and musicians, who do a tremendously good job and spread the cultural gems of India around the world.
Every time Sonu Nigam has been taken for granted. For awards functions also many a times he’s got nominations but not the actual award. But never mind he is great singer & the GOD is watching all these unfair practices.
After watching Sonu Nigam paying tribute to Rafi saab , I thought Rafi fans would be proud of Sonu Nigam.
Instead I am reading so many bad , disrespecting comments degrading Sonu Nigam. I am really shocked now.People who are genuine fans of any artist will never dis-respect any artist in such a demeaning manner.
The concert was obviously a sincere attempt by Sonu Nigam to enlighten gen next about the greatness of Rafi saab, his songs,
his singing style. Through this tribute , new generation who listen to Sonu Nigam get to know from where Sonu Nigam
derives inspiration from . It is a divine tribute by a disciple to his master from whom he learnt so much musically.
Sonu Nigam has always been showing his love , gratitude towards Rafi saab throughout his career.
We , Rafi fans , should be very proud of Sonu Nigam . Great going Sonu.Keep it up!!
NO BODY CAN MATCH RAFI OR LATA, as you can’t compere Taj Mahal with Lotus Temple, but Sonu Did a great Job, by rembering his Guru publically and presenting the Great Singer to young generation who don’t know Great Rafi, by hearing to this numbers sung by Sonu, young generation is inspired to hear real song by the great Rafi Saab, so their is no harm. In age of Ho Halla, some one is their to remember RAFi Saab, and we want the numbers to increase not decrease let the new generation realize what Rafi is and see his singing. at this stage of his professional career Sonu does’nt require Rafi Saab name to promote himself, he is only offering this tribute to the legend, and Rafi Saab became Rafi after putting great years, let Sonu blossom
Mr. Ramachandran, if your knowlege of the intricacies of music is comparable to your command of the English language, then your qualifications to write an analysis/critique of this concert are meagre, indeed.
He sang the “songs very normally”? You would rate him much much lower than what he used to sing when “he came in about 13years ago through Saregama”? His voice has “conspicuously deteriorated” with his singing all types of
“medlee”/Hindi pop songs “and of that sort”. Even the title is ridiculous.
What does all this nonsense mean? And does this site have any consideration regarding the quality of the content published?
Here are some respectfully offered suggestions for you:
1. Write your articles in your own language (Hindi?),
2. Have your work edited by someone familiar with English grammar and spelling,
3. Use “spellcheck” before submitting your work,
4. Have someone else author your opinions, so they’re expressed clearly.
Please accord some respect to the readership; don’t waste their time on such useless dribble. A concert of this calibre deserves a well thought-out opinion, not a biased diatribe.
Yes friends you all are right.
Sonuji said it earlier that he had done no modifications in the songs because he wanted to maintain the original flavour of the song, else he would have done “N” number of modifications in them..
He never said that he wanted to or that he has already surpassed his IDOL, he indeed regards him as his father, he always keeps Rafi Sahab first and then comes on to himself..
Manier times on shows as well as interviews he has said that “How can we forget that I have come into the industry with Rafi Sahab’s voice.”
He said that he has got to know his original voice after Kal Ho Na Ho, so how can he disrespect Rafi Sahab, he has been so honest everytime, he is never shy of saying these things whereas any other singer might feel shy saying it on the camera nationally that he came into industry with another voice..
How can u ppl be so ridiculing??
And however it is of no doubt that his voice is closest to Rafi sahab.
Listen to the song which he sang in rememberence of Rafi Sahab in the beginning of the show
ie TERE AANE KI AAS HAI DOST,
and then listen to the original track by Rafi Sahab and then again listen it subg by Sonuji. you will see a striking resemblence of his voice to that of Sonuji..
I don’t have words as well as space to say about Sonuji in context to Rafi Sahab, please respect Rafi Sahab’s soul and Sonuji.
He is the national icon for India, respect him…
sonu sonu sonu… the crowds cheer at any concert. This great man, has revived mo.rafi to the youth. He has inspired and motivated. This pop idol has done a superb job and has left spot on everyones heart. A man who is in a leugue of his own, humble and outstanding. People say bad things but dont take them to heart, listen and let it make u a stronger person. The concert which sonuj rendered could never be done better by anyone else. Sonuji has the love an passion, which he spread around the globe by singing.
Rafi Resurrected show was divine….the way Sonu ji sang each n every song was simply the great…it was like a person is praying to his god….and those who are saying rude things should be ashamed of themselves……
He is a respect singer of industry, he is a genuine musician….you should be proud of Sonu ji.
u said that he was fast……what the hell …u think that u know music well…then why dont you sing han?
if you guys cant appreciate the hard work of Sonu ji so please atleast dont say any rude thing about him.. it hurts us becuase we truly love n respect him. and we cant tolerate this okay…
RR was a great tribute…..and Sonu Ji is the best.
here is my take on the sonu nigam/cbso tribute show:
i liked the show. i liked the orchestration much more and sonu nigam’s singing to a lesser degree. but, enjoyed the event.
according to me even if five persons from the gen-next enjoyed the event and learnt few mohd rafi songs then, then the show must be considered a huge success.
and since i wanted to feel the pulse of the people i interviewed ten house wives who spent more than three hours of that sunday evening watching the programme. almost nine out of ten ladies said the programme was very very good and entertaining. i got the message that on the whole the people enjoyed the programme. some people with little more knowledge of music must not have enjoyed the sonu nigam limitations and it could be or could not be justified – since sonu nigam is no mohd rafi. he only made a sincere effort to present mohd rafi songs on a larger “international” canvas.
the indian music and mohd rafi songs were the winners on that sunday evening and many many singers would be dreaming for a similar opportunity to sing mohd rafi gems.
coming back to the live viewing of the event, whenever there was a bit of criticism from my side about sonu nigam, there were frowns and glares from the viewers at my home including my wife.
binu nair, rafi foundation, mumbai
i think sonu niigaam has done the job which no other singer can do…he has truely followed rafi sahab as a devotee follows bible …and it is being said that the original songs are slow he sang too fast..etc..hold on guys but in original songs the music was different…the instruments were different…here sonu had to sing along with 75 people on the instruments ..even slight mistake could have broken the link…and it is very obvious that rafi resurrected would be a different and bigger one…sonuji has already sang most of his songs in rafi ki yaddein different volumes..and that songs included music closer to original ones…but in concerts there were no drums no electro pads no guitar…both the cbso and sonu niigaam has done a gr8 job in album and also in concert..and its true that its never to be repeated project…sonu niigaam when asked “What was the biggest challenge for you?has said that
Sonuji – I didn’t want to go too far away from Rafi saab’s soul. I didn’t want to tamper with it. I could have done a lot of variations in terms of tune and melody, as I do in my own songs, but I didn’t because I wanted to maintain the
sanctity of his voice and songs. I followed him like a student follows a teacher. I didn’t try to surpass my teacher – I didn’t try anything my teacher didn’t do. So this is my heartfelt tribute to Rafi saab. That was the challenge sometimes when you are doing something as an artist, you want to do changes and bring in
your own effects. But my soul said I should not tamper with what Rafi saab has done.
so guys dont be disappointed but be proud of what sonuji has done …if you can do it better then proove it or else atleast learn to praise it and gain something from it………i consider sonuji and rafi sahab as my gurus…so i can feel what sonuji has sung and i am very proud of my guruji……long live sonu niigaam….
i love sonuji!!! i will definetly not tolerate dis….im 12 yrz old and sonuji is more than a guru 2 me…i love him very much!! he gave in a lot 2 dis project and i love it!!!! my dad really admired him although he is a rafi saab fan….sonuji aap please dissapoint mat hoiye…who will listen 2 rubbish people anywayz…mujhe pata hai k aapne bohot mehenat ki hai aur mein aapki bohot izzat karti hoon. my papa mummy loved it!! i live in new zealand and we’ll buy ur cdz as soon as it comes here..promise!!!
love u lotss…
from ur no.1 fan
PRIYANKA DHAWAN
If u really want to prove urself to be Rafians or Rafi Saab’s devotees…respect other musicians and singers..as far as I understand, Rafi Saab’s humility and excellence went hand in hand..and Sonuji exhibits the same quality..Sonuji is working his heart out for the sake of uplifting the music of India…respect his efforts guys..dont love him, dont be his fans if u dont want to..its ur personal opinion and noone has the right to question that..but, its unfair to use such cruel words in response to his genuine effort to pay a tribute to Rafi Saab..live singing is not a child’s game..20 songs at a stretch..in front of a huge audience,media and with a western orchestra with whom he has no previous experience…he is the only person who could have pulled off what he did..and he did a stupendous job..the audience was left spellbound..u guys are experts at criticizing him and judging him..didnt any one of u see the devotion in his eyss and the respect in his voice for Rafi Saab..Rafi Saab lives in the hearts of every person who respect music and understand it..And his blessings are with Sonuji and will always be..coz Sonuji has only made him proud..Kehte hai “Mann se raavan jo nikaale ram uske mann me hai”…
TO ALL WHO HAVE CRITISIED SONU JI, LETS FACE A FACT,WOULD YOU ALL OUT THERE BE ABLE TO STAND IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS AND DO WHAT SONU JI DID,I MEAN SING FOR A PERSON WITH A CALIBRE OF RAFI JI.NO I DONT THINK YOU CAN, SO IF YOU DONT HAVE THE DAAM THEN DONT CRITISE SOMEONE WHO PAYS RESPECT AND TRIES TO BRING OUT IN US THE SONGS THAT WERE SO BEAUTIFULLY SUNG BY RAFI JI.
WHAT SONU JI IS KABILE TAARIF AND YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE DONT HAVE THE GUTS TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIS EFFORTS,BECOZ YOU CANT BE HIM OR DO WHAT HE DID FOR HIS GURU,LISTENING TO RAFI JI ON RECORDS OR CDS IS NOT BEING RAFI JI FAN,ITS MAKING OTHERS REALISE HIS WORTH
HATS OFF TO SONU JI,I STAYED UP LATE NIGHT TO SEE HIS SHOW ON SONY TV AND IT WAS WORTH LOSING MY SLEEP
Nobody is perfect but his effort shown to the world is commendable. As long as persistence is there,he will reach his mark.God Bless Sonuji =) Our fans are there to support him.
to all the devoted fans of sonu nigamji
my profound apologies to you all, including your idol. it’s time we devote this website to sonuji instead. yes, he did a great service to rafi since the latter happens to be his guru. i dont think there ever has been ever a greater tribute to rafi. we must all be indebted to sonuji for bringing alive the memories of a man who was known for his simplicity — in every sphere of life — humility and professional excellence. now i stand corrected and chastised. i concede sonuji has more admirers than his “idol”.
so kindly forgive me and i assure you i will look forward eagerly to his next programme (maybe titled bhoole bisre rafi) and sing his praises.
i thought criticism, even if it appears vile at times, has a valid acceptance. now i know better. i take back all those words and i have no hesitation to say sonuji is the best singer india has been fortunate to have.
my genuine apologies to all of you if i have hurt your sentiments. please treat those remarks as those of an ill-informed person.
I completely agree with Ramachandran. I am great fan of sonu nigam but the show was quite disappoitning. I am hearing sonu since he was at all famous. The Rafi songs that he rescoeded earlier for T-series is much of higher quality.
I am sure Sonu is mature person and will take this feedback positively. The reason I raised this concern becuase I still belive he is the BEST singer as of now.
Man, Sonuji does not need to prove his metal now, when it was needed he did that…
Please stop criticising Sonuji, if you people have so many issues then why don’t you yourself go and perform in front of such a huge amount of people?
Please stop being a Complaining type..
Guys,
None of the Rafi fans here have anything personal against Sonu. It is just that all the Rafi fans would have heard so much of Rafi Sahab that even small mistakes seem glaring, especially if it is from a seasoned singer like Sonu.
Rafi Saahab’s songs are evergreen because of the style of rendition, the rooh, the emotions. If you take out all these attributes from Rafi Sahab’s songs, do you think it will touch people’s hearts? This was the problem in Sonu’s concert. He should not have sung Rafi Sahab’s songs in his andaaz. He should have tried keeping it as original as possible.
Technically, the orchestra missed indian instruments like dholak (esp. for songs like Badi Mastani hai meri mehbooba).
No doubt Sonu is a great singer, and hence the disappointment. We know Sonu can perform much much better.
Cheers
Anoop
Hi, I think we need to accept the critics. It is only when we grow and they are also a kind of publicity. These feedback would definately not affect either Sonu’s performance nor his art. It is Sonu’s tribute to his guru and he has given his best. I feel his performance was not for any publicity. Accept the critics and thank for appreciation.
Sonu- U have given your guru dakshina and trust me one day you receive the same. ‘Sonu Niigaam ke liye Sur naman’
Sonu was,is and will be a great prospect and legend of whatever that comes out from his throat as songs………………………
I saw the concert and was dumbstruck by its scale and clinical efficiency. The orchestration was terrrific coming as it did from musicians for whom the songs were from an alien language.
Sonu sang with supreme confidence and I am very happy that he chose to sing Madan Mohan number: “Tum Jo Mil Gaye Ho..” which is perhaps one of the most difficult songs sung by Rafi Saab. Sonu sang it with elan. This shows the class of Sonu. Well done, Sonu.
Those who criticise him either do not understand good music or are plain jealous of his talent.
i think sonuji did a fabulous job……no singer in this world can do it as good as sonuji…..no comparision
Reading all these comments will make anyone laugh, indeed. I don’t know who started it and why. I see no logic here. But anyone starting this sick debate is miles away from understanding nuances of music. This concert was a tribute to the singer we all love and not any competition. Seems like these same people can tolerate and applaud shameful reality shows on TV. Sonu Nigam has been singing Rafi songs for years so what is the problem today? The medium was far better this time. Interestingly, the Internet has suddenly allowed most people to think that they are not only “writers” but can also critique as well. If Rafi Sahib’s immediate family has no problem working and associating itself with this concert, do we need more testimonials to prove the point? It is funny that most of these Rafi fans want to revive his music but contradict themselves with such outlandish remarks.
The highlight of the evening was not only Sonu Nigam bringing Indian music to an international forum and audience but also present it in a lavish style. How he did is secondary but you can’t doubt man’s loyalty and dedication to his Guru. And I sure will have doubts if anyone else could have done a better job than him in front of a few thousand audiences and a 75 strong international orchestra. This experiment did not fail but a handful of among us obviously failed to see what we gained. May be some of these people needed to hear the CD format if they expect a recording room quality from a stage show. Sonu Nigam deserves congratulations for celebrating the man in a grand style and also for introducing us a real female singer as well. The combination of it all could not be any better.
Who says sonuji sang like a breeze?? I humbly ask that person can he even sing 1 line like sonuji………….sonuji did an excellentt and wonderful job//
I and all praisers of sonu bhaiya will thank him throughout the life for giving such a beautiful and unforgetable evening//
This was the ffirst evening in my life atleast which waas so magical, marvellous, melodius, mindblowing //I hav less words but this show was really out of this world.// sonu bhaiya is always sincere in what he does..
And when It comes to comparing him with Rafisaab ji…………..He never compares himself with him………..people who wants to find faults in sonuji keeps on doing that//
sonu bhaiya never said that he sings better or equal 2 rafisaab but ppl wat 2 say??
I think “AN EVENING IN LONDON” was the bestest show full of colours ,love,respect, feelings n melody as it was a lovely tribute 2 a musical wonderful idol rafisaabji by his biggest admirer and fan sonu Nigamji…..//
I think NO one in this world will do such an awesum job which sonuji did//
whwat people have 2 say they will say but TRUTH WON”T CHANGE that this show was Grand.//
Thanks
FYI..this is just one of the many reviews that are on the net.
Hi fans
Sonu Niigaam Ji did a great job for people of UK,I hope same will be done in Gulf and other countries,I think it is wrong to compare Mohd Rafi with with any singer,Sonu Niigaam ji himself a great fan of Mohd Rafi as we know that Sonu Niigaam Ji can sing also in voice of KK .
As mohd Rafi fan I want to thanks mr Sonu Niigaam ji for this great job and I hope same be done to other great singers.
i think sonu niigaam did an excellent job!!!
how many singers do u see now-a-days holding such a big tribute show????? many singers dont even have to guts to do wat sonuji did. everyone says they are mohd rafi jis fans but all they do is sit around.
sonu niigaam has really showed how much of a fan he is to mohd rafiji.
he didnt say that he wanted to be the NEXT mohd rafi or that he is going to COPY mohd rafi at this show.
its a tribute to guru. that doesnt necceseraly mean that he is going to imitate mohd rafi
definetly a lot of work has been put behind it. so all of u just sitting there saying rude things about sonuji should think again.
this show is the best tribute i have ever seen so HATS OFF TO SONU NIIGAAM!!!!!!!!!
I totally agree with Mr. Mukesh Vig, it is sad to see people here trying to compare Rafi Sahaab and Sonuji. I don’t think Sonuji even in his wildest dreams would think about trying to excel Rafi sahaab. He treats him like his guru, does anyone compete with their guru. I myself have been to several of Sonuji’s concert, I have seen that in all his concerts Sonuji makes sure he remembers Rafi Sahaab and thanks his parents for introducing him to Mohd.Rafi songs at a young age. He says whatever he is today as a singer is because of Rafi Sahaab’s blessing.
And now comming to the concert you guys are referring here, I was in the audience, I travelled all the way to London just for this concert and it was the best experience of my life. If you guys think I am a fool to say all this, then everyone in the audience should be fools. Everyone was just spellbound. Not even a slight disturbance in the concert, everyone was just immersed. The audience was clapping at the right time, listening so carefully to everything Sonuji said. Rahi Sahaab’s family(Grand son and his family) was sitting right behind me and they were really enjoying the show. Sonuji even made sure he thanked Rafi Sahaab’s grand son. It was such a pleasure to watch Sonuji and the live Orchestra complimenting each other so perfectly and there could not have been anything better than Rafi sahaab’s songs. My 5 yr old daughter who was in the concert is so impressed with the songs that everytime I play the “Rafi Resurrected” CD, she is like ..”Mommy I love these songs, these are the same songs he sang in London right? When are we going to London again?”…
I am not trying to exaggerate things, but this is my personal opinion, the concert was “Out of the World” experience. It is so sad to see people not realize the motive behind the concert. Sonuji hats off to your sincere effort of paying tribute an also trying to refresh Rafi Sahaab’s memory for all genuine music lovers.
hi friends
actually…i am here to disagree with you
i visit this site occasionally couse i am moh rafiji’s big fan…sonuji’s as well
i was present at that programme…i feel he sang all songs fabulously…couse we can judge it from the audiance response…i will share something with you….when the song “suhaani raat dhal chuki” started….just after one line audiance started clapping for more than 15 seconds….you know what it means?…sitting in front of tv and saying anything is easy…for anybody…but i cant tolarate that type of review for sonuji and also for rafiji…i totally disagree that he sang songs simply…he puts his soul for that …i have purchased rafi resurrected as my golden memories…
Yes I agree Sonu Niigaam will maybe never be better than Rafi, but I would like to see the day when one of you who are criticizing him comes even close to what he can do…I really highly doubt that day will ever come
Sonu Niigaam himself has always been a huge Rafi fan since childhood and considers him his musical father, his guru and knows he’s not better and doesn’t even want people to consider him better than Rafi…for those of you saying he has no humility I repeat he has never and will never consider himself to be better than Rafi…this was just his way of giving a wonderful tribute and spreading his guru’s music worldwide….
And I seriously cannot believe some are commenting on how he changes his appearance from time to time…so what if he does? What the hell does that have to do with singing ability….and yes he has tried his hand at acting and other stuff…just cuz he’s a singer doesn’t mean he shouldn’t try doing other things…there’s no such law or rule saying that you can only do one thing with your life…life should be liven to the fullest..for some it means being devoted to one thing, but for others it means trying all kinds of stuff
The title Rafi Resurrected does not imply Rafi has been forgotten…it simply implies that his songs are being given a slightly different form due to the symphonic orchestration
His name was the first and only name to be recommended to the CBSO guys for this tribute….and this was only because they consider him to be the only one capable of doing justice to these songs…if SAREGAMA, the CBSO, Rafi’s own family loved the tribute then how can anyone else criticize? And anyways, each and every artist deserves to be treated with respect
Wow! It’s amazing to see how everyone on this website has decided to rip apart the best living singer of the country. Some comments are outright ugly & personal. Well, such comments reflect these people’s upbringing! So you didn’t like the show…but there are many out there who thoroughly enjoyed Sonu’s singing. When did Sonu claimed to be at par or better than Rafi Saab! It was just an humble attempt to pay tribute to his Guru…and he is being ripped apart for his effort.
Get a life guys and stop calling yourself Rafi fans as none of you have an iota of humility of that great legend we all love and admire including Sonu Nigam.
God bless Sonu Nigam! May he continue to delight us with his heavenly voice!
After reading many responses on Sonu Niigaam’s performance, I am very disappointed with all the Rafi Fans that claim that Sonuji has made a ‘mockery’ of Rafj Saheb’s popular numbers.
I am a loyal and dedicated fan of both Rafi Saheb and Sonuji. I was not present at the London performance but I did certainly watch all of the performance on Sony; It was absolutely terrific!!
“Rafi Resurrected” was not just ‘another’ performance for Sonuji but a tribute, an offering to his musical father, his Guru – Mohd. Rafi Saheb.
No one can sound or have that ‘magical carisma’ that Rafi Saheb put into the songs he sang because quite simply, no one is the same, whether it be looks, style, voice, talent etc; so how can so many people expect Sonuji to sound and sing exactly like him??
Just because some of you feel that Sonuji may not have sang to your expectations, does not and will not make Sonuji a ‘kal ka chokra’ and he does not ‘proclaim to be the inheritor of the rafi legacy’ because he has never ever seen himself as a ‘match’ to Rafi..as I have mentioned earlier, Rafi Saheb has been a Guru to Sonuji…No student in the right mind would challenge his/her Guru because a Guru is a teacher.
Sonuji, at this stage of his career undertook this project only because he wanted to ‘Resurrect’ or remember Rafi Saheb and expose the glory of the musical magician to the younger generation..Instead of appreciating his efforts, these guys are bashing him.
Sonu Niigaam has simply followed his Guru in terms of music and ‘style’ of singing and from these teachings he has developed into India’s most popular and ever thriving singer!
Sonuji is greatly talented in my opinion because he can adapt his voice in so many different ways. By this I mean he sings with great passion.. Whether it be a sad number that he sings or happy, you will be able to feel the emotion through his voice – similarly to Rafi Saheb.
There are many talented singers all over the globe but as a recognised singer, Sonuji is simply brilliant and I envy his dedication to music. He should be appreciated that he keeps Mohd. Rafi alive in our hearts and minds. Because of people like Sonuji and Rafi Saheb, it has inspired myself to sing on a semi-professional level. It would be an honour to meet Sonuji and I hope one day this will come true. I consider both Mohd. Rafi and Sonu Niigaam as my Guru’s.
If Rafi Saheb was alive today, he would be very proud of Sonuji..and His blessings are always always with him…God bless his soul…God bless Sonuji!
@ Raju korti
Degrading post anyway god is watchimg & not to forget Rafi sahab is too !!!
But you know what raju god bless you always ….