What’s this energy Kolkata!? Kya sur me gaa rahe hain aap sab, says Sunidhi Chauhan at Christmas eve concert
Times of India | 26 December 2024
Sunidhi Chauhan at her concert in Kolkata Known for hits like Aa Zara, Desi Girl and Kaisi Paheli Zindgani, Sunidhi Chauhan is a powerhouse performer, with an incredible vocal range and sizzling dance moves. In town for her I Am Home tour, we chatted with the singer about her ‘total package’ shows, her latest singles, her love for Kolkata and more. Excerpts.
You’re back in Kolkata to perform, what are your fave things about the city?
Just the vibe of this city makes me want to come back! I feel a deep connection with Kolkata; I admire the love people feel for music here. Did you know that I once recorded on a Rabindrasangeet album? And Of course, I love sandesh and rosogolla.
With Sajna Ve Sajna being re-released this year, what is your take on reinterpreting old hits?
Great melodies will always connect with people. Sajna Ve Sajna (from 2003 film Chameli) is a great melody and it came back and connected with the audience again. Some melodies have that charm: they don’t get old, like Saki Saki. This gives the new gen a chance to connect with classics that have been loved over the years. A lot has changed in the industry, it’s different, but good.
How do you think the industry has changed over the years?
Lyrics have taken a back-seat today. Casual vibes seem to be working. I believe that artistes, labels, and everyone involved in the music making process is responsible for bringing more to the table. If we cater to the casual, audiences will accept that. If we produce classy songs, the audience will accept that. Change is good, because soundscapes are bound to evolve, with new artistes, mindsets and definitely, the very process of how music is enjoyed. But it’s important to not be average. ‘Yeh chal raha hai, isske jaisa aur karte hain’ — trends, you know — cannot work after a point. There is only one Sunday in a week and that’s what makes it special. It’s important to create new things, but also be rooted in the past, the classic. That’s what will save us from mediocrity.
How do you prepare for back-to-back international tours? Your shows are not just about the music but the performance as well, much like international popstars - what pushed you to dance and perform at live shows?
There’s a lot of physical strength that goes into prepping for a tour, but the drive to put up a good show makes it all worthwhile. Social media has now put us all out there in a big way — you have access to so much. I have always been a performer and not just a singer. I used to move around the stage and dance even back in the day. Now, people post videos and stories on social media so everyone is more aware. My shows are now complete, with proper choreography and costumes. I’m more comfortable in my own skin now; I choose to wear what makes me feel empowered and happy. It was an organic process for me.
What are your thoughts on the role of social media as a tool for a popular musician these days?
I did realise the necessity to keep up with the changing world. I am more aware of what my audience likes and expects from me. It’s great to feel the support and appreciation, and I appreciate the negative feedback as well. You cannot please everyone.
You performed in London at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on November 6, 2024. What was that experience like?
Singing live with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chamber Choir of London, conducted by Robert Ziegler, was magical. I experienced a whole new kind of audience. Experiences like this keep you grounded. I felt like a student again!
Many feel like I have had a huge transformation. I’ve always been confident in my own skin: it’s just that things are more visible now on social mediaSunidhi Chauhan
‘Working with Sanya Malhotra was humbling’
Sunidhi and Sanya in a still from Aankh
Talking about Aankh, Sunidhi said, “It sounded perfect from the get go. The music video was a logical choice, and when there were talks about involving Sanya Malhotra, I jumped at the opportunity. I love Sanya as an actor and I love her dancing skills. Our mutual admiration really comes across in the video. Being a professional, her focus and dedication to her craft was humbling. All I wanted was to get better with each shot.”
‘I hope my collab with Shreya Ghoshal inspires other women artistes to do the same’
Sunidhi and Shreya in a still from Chaila
When asked about her work with Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi said: “Working with her was a lot of fun. The song that Salim (Merchant) had thought of for us was very different, but we wanted to keep it fun; just two colleagues coming together and having a blast. We kept this alive in the composition & arrangement of Chaila. Shreya & I usually bump into each other at events, but never really get to chat. This song helped us bond. I will always cherish Chaila; I hope it inspires other women artistes to collaborate.”
The Kolkata audience has the patience to enjoy long concerts. I feel a deep connection with this city; I admire the love people feel for music hereSunidhi Chauhan
Fab Xmas eve concert
Sunidhi Chauhan delivered a power-packed performance at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan on Tuesday night. The concert was a sensory delight, featuring lasers, lights, and confetti. The highlight of the night was a surprise appearance by Sanya Malhotra, who joined Sunidhi on stage to dance to the song Aankh. Sunidhi’s electrifying vocals, combined with her dynamic stage presence and dance moves, kept the audience enthralled from start to finish. Swarna Chakraborty, a concert attendee said, “I am so excited to see Sunidhi 2.0 – her new avatar. I’m excited to hear Chaliya and Sheila ki Jawani.” Friends Ishika Agarwal & Priya Agarwal couldn’t stop raving about how this concert made their Christmas eve special.
I’m at my happiest right now. I dress up & perform the way I want; it makes me feel empoweredSunidhi Chauhan
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