Sonu Nigam fights to hold back tears at launch of 'Tihar idol'

Playback singer Sonu Nigam hard -fought his tears while launching the second season of 'Tihar Idol', a singing talent show that the authorities of the high- security jail first organised in 2012 on the lines of Indian Idol.
The noted singer, who enthralled the inmates and officials with his arresting performance at the event that kick started yesterday, said, "I am so overwhelmed today seeing these people perform so well... Seeing the kind of passion and dedication and hope they have, I could hardly hold my tears back. I just tried hard not to cry as I had to perform here for them."

"It is the first time ever that I am performing in a jail and I was clueless to what kind of experience it will be. But now I ensure the jail staff that I'll be here for Tihar Idol 3, 4 and 5 as well in future," he said.
Noted singers including Raja Hassan, Nandini Dev and actress Akriti Bharti and Sonu's father Agam Nigam also performed here.
The whole competition will take place within the jail premises and run through up to May next year stretching over 40 episodes.
DIG Delhi prisons, Mukesh Prasad, Jail number one Superintendent Rajesh Chouhan and other senior jail officials and staff were present at the occasion.

"I am thankful to the organisers and our guests that they came here to support our initiative. Last season of Tihar Idol was a success and we hope same for the next,"Prasad said.

Sonu sang a few songs like "Sandese atey hain...", "Mera rand de basanti chola..." and "Kal ho na ho..."and dedicated them to the inmates. He said he could understand what the inmates feel while staying away from their families.
"I am here as your voice today. Even though I have come here through certain formalities, but I am your soul for the day. But I want a promise from all of you that the next time when I come here I must not see all of you again. I'd be pleased to see no audience here," said Nigam.

Talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Swachch Bharat mission", Nigam said he supports the initiative from his heart.
"I am a strict believer of cleanliness and I appreciate and support the campaign that our PM has started," he said.
He also said that the government must first fulfil its duties and then fine or challan the citizens for not following the rules for cleanliness.