Would have been better if I were from Pakistan: Sonu Nigam

Singer later clarified his comments

With a career spanning over two decades in Bollywood, Sonu Nigam has established a name for himself in the Indian music industry. But, it seems the 45-year-old singer isn't too happy with the current Bollywood music scene and has made a statement regarding the same.

According to India Today, while giving an interview to Aaj Tak, Nigam took a jab at the popularity of Pakistani singers in India. The Kal Ho Naa Ho singer said, "Sometimes, I feel as if it would have been better if I were from Pakistan. At least I would get offers from India."

PHOTO: FILE

However, the Main Hoon Na crooner has finally commented on what he actually meant by the comments.

“Sometimes in an attempt to make headlines catchy and sensational, some journalists miss the real content. Yesterday’s Aaj Tak Summit happened so amazing, and look what have they reduced it to."

“My point about being better off being born in Pakistan was about the music companies in India asking Indian singers to pay 40-50% of their concerts remunerations to them, and only then they’ll work with those artistes but they don’t ask the same from the singers from abroad, namely Pakistan,” Sonu posted on Facebook on Tuesday night.

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“This was the important point I made… and these guys… changed it to ‘I would have been better off born in Pakistan I’d have work come my way.’ What do I say. Pathetic.”

During the summit, the singer was talking about why so many songs are being remixed these days. “Sometimes, I feel like it would be better if I was from Pakistan. At least I would get offers from India,” he joked.

Sonu had sung songs from Veer Zaara and Refugee into the announcement microphone. PHOTO: FILE

“Nowadays, singers have to pay music companies for shows. If we don’t shell out the money, they will play songs sung by other singers and highlight them. Then, they will take money from them,” he said.

“They don’t do the same with Pakistani singers. But then why single only Indian singers out? Atif Aslam is a very close friend of mine. He is never asked to pay to sing at shows, neither is Rahat Fateh Ali Khan,” added Nigam.

Sonu blamed this practice for the current trend of remix songs. “Earlier, the composers, lyricists and singers created a song. Now, the music companies have taken over that job,” he said.

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