“pretty average” and “not such a good song;Sonu Nigam has Labelled A R Rahman Song
Sonu Nigam Critiques AR Rahman’s ‘Yuvvraaj’ Soundtrack: A Candid Take on the Music Legend’s Work
In the world of Indian music, few collaborations have been as iconic as that between playback singer Sonu Nigam and the maestro AR Rahman. Over the years, Sonu has lent his voice to some of Rahman’s most memorable tracks, from Satrangi Re in Dil Se to Aayo Re Sakhi in Water. However, despite their successful partnership, Sonu recently made waves with his blunt criticism of AR Rahman’s music for the 2008 film Yuvvraaj.
In a candid interview with O2 India, Sonu Nigam didn’t hold back when asked about his experience working on Yuvvraaj, a film directed by Subhash Ghai. The film, which starred Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, and Zayed Khan, was expected to be a musical treat with Rahman at the helm. However, the movie and its soundtrack failed to make the desired impact, both at the box office and with audiences. Sonu’s comments now shed some light on why he wasn’t particularly fond of the music.
“Bekaar” and “Pretty Average”
When asked about the songs he recorded for Yuvvraaj, Sonu did not mince words. He expressed his dissatisfaction with one of the tracks, “Shano Shano,” saying it was “pretty average” and “not such a good song.” His candidness didn’t end there; Sonu made it clear that he wasn’t about to sugarcoat his opinion, admitting, “Let’s not talk about it. I won’t be able to lie. I won’t be able to praise a bad song.” The singer went on to describe the overall soundtrack as disappointing, urging the interviewer to “forget about them.” He even boldly stated, “Iske saare gaane bekaar the” (All of its songs were bad).
Sonu’s candid criticism shocked many, particularly given his longstanding and fruitful partnership with AR Rahman. Their collaborations in the past have produced some of the most iconic and timeless tracks in Bollywood history, so this open critique stands out.
Sonu Nigam on AR Rahman’s Personality
Despite his negative opinion of the Yuvvraaj soundtrack, Sonu Nigam made it clear that his respect for AR Rahman as a person remains unwavering. In the same interview, Sonu praised Rahman for his dedication and unique personality. He described the composer as someone who is very devoted to his work and prayers, emphasizing that Rahman maintains a certain distance from the social dynamics of the industry. Sonu noted that Rahman doesn’t engage in unnecessary gossip or negativity and doesn’t let anyone come too close to him, a quality Sonu deeply appreciates.
“Rahman is very detached. He doesn’t speak about others, and he doesn’t hurt anybody’s heart,” said Sonu, adding that he admires Rahman’s ability to stay away from the chaos of the film industry. Sonu further highlighted that Rahman’s reserved nature is a reflection of how one should maintain personal boundaries in the industry. This speaks volumes about Rahman’s character and work ethic, especially when contrasted with the often-public and sometimes tumultuous world of Bollywood.
The Failure of Yuvvraaj and AR Rahman’s Unused Gem, “Jai Ho”
Yuvvraaj was supposed to be a musical family drama, and expectations for the soundtrack were high, given Rahman’s involvement. However, the film failed to make a mark, both critically and commercially. The movie, which cost around Rs 48 crore to make, only earned Rs 16.89 crore in India and Rs 31.22 crore globally. This disappointing box office performance mirrored the reception of its music, which didn’t strike a chord with the audience. Despite being backed by a star-studded cast and a renowned composer, Yuvvraaj didn’t resonate with moviegoers or music lovers.
Interestingly, there’s a twist to the story of the Yuvvraaj soundtrack. In an earlier interview, director Subhash Ghai revealed that AR Rahman had actually composed the iconic track “Jai Ho” for Yuvvraaj. However, after listening to it, Ghai felt that the song didn’t fit the tone or context of the film, so it was ultimately dropped. A few years later, “Jai Ho” found a home in Slumdog Millionaire, where it went on to become a global hit, even winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song. This turn of events highlights the unpredictability of the music industry and how closely Jai Ho came to being part of a very different kind of film legacy.
Sonu Nigam’s Legacy in Bollywood
Sonu Nigam is no stranger to controversy, nor is he one to shy away from expressing his honest opinions, even if they go against the grain. Having been the voice behind countless Bollywood hits, from “Sandese Aate Hai” in Border to “Kal Ho Naa Ho” in the film of the same name, Sonu has cemented his place as one of the most versatile and successful playback singers of his generation.
Known for his impeccable voice and musical range, Sonu has managed to remain relevant in the industry for decades. He has continued to collaborate on various projects, with recent notable work in films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Despite the passage of time, his music still resonates with listeners. However, it’s not just his vocal prowess that sets him apart — it’s also his willingness to voice his honest opinions, no matter how controversial they may be.
Sonu’s comments about Yuvvraaj show that he is willing to critique even the most respected figures in the industry, including his frequent collaborator, AR Rahman. This openness to express his views, regardless of popular opinion, further solidifies his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most outspoken and genuine artists.
Sonu Nigam’s recent comments about the Yuvvraaj soundtrack offer a glimpse into the singer’s honest and unfiltered approach to his work and the music industry. While his blunt criticism of AR Rahman’s music for the film may have shocked some, it’s clear that Sonu values transparency and authenticity in his opinions. Despite his disappointment with Yuvvraaj, he continues to respect Rahman as both a musician and a person. The singer’s willingness to speak out, even when it’s not the popular choice, shows why he remains one of Bollywood’s most enduring and respected voices.
As for Yuvvraaj, its place in Bollywood history may be marked by the lack of commercial success, but the journey of its music — including the nearly lost “Jai Ho” — remains a fascinating part of AR Rahman’s legacy.