For all the success Sonu Nigam has garnered, his father Agam Kumar Nigam gives himself only 10 percent credit but the fact remains that Sonu was introduced to the world of music by his father and mother, both of whom are talented singers in their own right. It was during a stage concert of Agam in Jeend, that three-and-a-half-year-old Sonu insisted on singing a portion of “Kya hua tera vaada”. “There were 25,000 people and I was surprised at his offer. That was the first time he held a mike in his hand.” From then on Sonu started accompanying his father to several stage shows. He was musical right from the beginning. Even as a child, he used to drum various things like Farex box.
To channel his talent in the right direction, Agam took him to Mumbai to meet music directors and collect feedback on his voice. “After we got a positive response, Sonu and I shifted to Mumbai. It was only after his song “Acha sila diya” did well, the entire family shifted there. I feel that I have realised my dreams and fulfilled my desires through Sonu. Ninety per cent of the hard work has been done by Sonu and 10 per cent is mine. Even though he didn't train in music for a long time, he learnt by listening. He hears a lot of music.” There is variety too.”
To reach where he Sonu has, the doting father feels, his son has sacrificed a lot. “He missed on his growing up years…he didn't get to play…to roam around like normal children…”Agam credits the depth and emotion-laced voice for Sonu's roaring success. “What has seen him through is his humility and his rootedness. He still remains a typical lower middle class Kayastha boy,” says Agam, who at times accompanies Sonu to his world tours and concerts. Does he still act like his mentor, guide? “No, he has now seen the world. But if he has any issues, I am always there.”
