From jovial to melancholic, peppy to romantic, Sonu Nigam took Netaji Indoor Stadium through a plethora of emotions on April 24. Sonu Nigam Live in Concert, presented by Forum for Durgotsab and in association with ABP Digital, lasted over two hours and brought everyone to their feet, singing along to the star’s greatest hits. “Bengal ki audience aaj yahan hazaron ki sankhya mein aayi hai, but I can hear you all sing in one sur. From the bottom of my heart, it is an honour to perform for you,” he said.
The event began with the felicitation of prominent Puja committees of the city that had hit big milestones. “For the last two years, COVID has played spoilsport for all events. In order to do away with the boredom and end this hiatus, we organised this programme. The idea was to bring all of Kolkata’s Puja clubs to one platform. We are glad to have received such a response,” said Saswata Basu, general secretary, Forum of Durgotsab.
The ceremonial lamp was lit by ministers Aroop Biswas and Shashi Panja, and MLA Debasish Kumar
After waiting patiently, the audience erupted into cheers when Sonu finally took to the stage with his troupe, crooning the opening lines of Crazy Dil. “A very warm and loving welcome to all of you. This is my favourite city and you are my favourite people. There is so much love and music, Bengal jaisa kuch nahi hai duniya mein,” he said.
Even to seasoned concert attendees, Sonu’s performance stood out that evening. The singer gave it his all onstage, giving a personal touch to all his songs. However, it was his wit that captured the crowd from the first minute. “Yeh bohot acha gaana hai, aur is film ka naam bhi bohot pyara hai, Toilet (Ek Prem Katha). Kabhi kabhi toilet se bhi achi cheezein bahar aa jaati hai,” he chuckled, before singing Hans Mat Pagli.
A packed Netaji Indoor Stadium
From dancing in the gallery to shining their phone’s flashlights, the audience reciprocated his energy. Sonu also expressed his gratitude to the audience for helping him complete 44 years as a professional singer.
While the audience sang along to all of his most popular songs including Yeh Dil Deewana, Deewana Tera, Suraj Hua Maddham and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Sonu had a pleasant surprise awaiting them when he broke into a medley of retro numbers. The mood turned nostalgic with songs like Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera, Mere Sapno Ki Rani, O Mere Dil Ke Chain and Dard-E-Dil.
Sonu Nigam with Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty at the show
Halfway through the medley, he spotted Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty and Usha Uthup in the audience. “I fell in love with Ajoy da’s voice when I was young and Usha ji is the most dynamic entertainer. She taught me stage command. It is such an honour for me to perform in front of you both,” he said.
‘We, Kolkata, sing this song for you, Sonu,’ said Usha Uthup, as she performed ‘Uri Uri Baba’
Before the last few songs, Forum for Durgotsab felicitated Sonu with some Kolkata mishti for being conferred the Padma Shri.
“Our forum has come this far only because of people’s good wishes. We are honoured to have one of the most accomplished and brightest artists of the country among us today,” said Kajal Sarkar, president, Forum of Durgotsab.
Saving the best for the last, he had the audience in a frenzy with Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin, before ending the night with a special version of Kal Ho Naa Ho. “Thank you so much for your love and blessings Kolkata,” he signed off.
