Technology helps anyone to be a good singer, says Sonu Nigam

At a time when several Bollywood actors are going behind the microphone to record songs, Sonu Nigam is unfazed as he feels technology today helps anyone to be a good singer.

Sonu says there is nothing wrong in actors attempting to sing, but the litmus test of a singer is during live shows.

"Technology has facilitated everyone to be a good singer. They (actors) can sing in films, there is demand so it is ok. But performing live is something else. Stage is the true litmus test of a singer," Sonu told PTI.

The 42-year-old singer began his career by singing in the 1990 movie "Janam". He shot to fame with songs like "Sandese Aate Hai" from "Border", "Ye Dil Deewana" from "Pardes" and released his album "Deewana".

According to the "Kal Ho Na Ho" crooner, another issue which most singers grapple with is that many music directors have also started doing concerts.

"We (singers) don't get royalty, the only source of income apart from singing in films, is performing in concerts. Today, even music composers have started doing shows. There is nothing wrong in that. Even they need to do these things."

Apart from "Deewana", which was a massive hit, Sonu churned out many more albums like "Chanda Ki Doli", "Jaan", "Yaad" and "Classically Mild" among others.

The "Abhi Mujhme Kahi" singer's last album was "The Music Room" in 2014.

Sonu feels one must move on with times as the culture of albums has died down, with more focus being on singles.

"Earlier, album making was treated as films. There were two dance tracks, two romantic numbers, one sad song. It was a completely different, fun procedure. Today, nobody buys albums. People download music and we have the age of singles," he said.

"So, all the energy you were putting in all the songs of an album, now you have to put it in one single. Make sure the song is good, the video is perfect and other details. Things have changed but you can't complain about it. You have to move on," Sonu added.