Sonu Nigaam

WHEN he last visited namma Bengaluru, he promised local fans that he’d make an album exclusively for them. And Sonu Niggaam has kept his promise. The Anisutide (kannada superhit 'mungaru male') singer is all set to launch his debut music album in Kannada. “This album is Sonu’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to all his Kannadiga fans who’ve enjoyed his songs like Ninnindale, Ee Bandhana and Ee Sanje,” says Jayant Kaikini, who has penned the lyrics for all the nine songs in the album. The veteran lyricist and writer is the man who has penned most of Sonu’s hit songs in Kannada films, including Anisutide.

“All the songs in the album are love ballads that convey different moods of the emotion. It was quite challenging to write the lyrics because they dealt with the same feeling,” he informs us. But writing for Sonu has always inspired him. “He takes a song to a different level. When I write a song, I like to imagine what it’ll sound like. And with Sonu, I know exactly what I can expect. It’s very motivating to write for someone like him,” explains Jayant.

“Sonu’s voice is fresh and sans baggage. There’s no drama in his singing, but his voice captures the emotion in the lyrics so well that you’re actually able to picturise the song,” he adds.

The music for the album has been composed by Mano Murthy, who’s also scored the tunes for all of Sonu’s hit songs. And as an added bonus to all fans, Yograj Bhat, the director of visual treats like Mungaru Male and Gaalipata, will direct two songs from the album. “Sonu will be featuring in both of them and casting is on for a female artiste. We’re trying to rope in a top actress from Kannada films,” Yograj Bhat tells us. “Sonu’s overwhelmed with the response he received from Karnataka and is really looking forward to his first Kannada album. He’s off for a show in London for a couple of days. But once he’s back in July, he will be wholly involved with the promotion and launch of this kannada album.”