If the Pimpri-Chinchwad Festival began on a colourful note this year with the shobhayatra, Sonu Nigam's mind-blowing performance on September 2 continued the trend. With over 25,000 people gathered at the Annasaheb Magar Stadium in Nehrunagar, the show was a resounding success, enough probably to make up for the complete failure of Jaspal Bhatti's show the night before.
The show started on time, but what raised the spectators' hackles was the suspense that compere Vinod Tiwari built up before he got Sonu Nigam on stage. First came two singers Sunita Kapoor and Zeba, who each sang a couple of numbers, followed by Derek Alexander of the Sunny Melody orchestra belting out two songs. Then came a dance with Sonu Nigam singing from backstage!
As the restless audience was wondering whether the singing star was indeed present, Nigam made a dramatic entry and got the real show on the road. And the wait was worth it.
Right from his first number, a tribute to the late Mohammad Rafi, Zindagi Bhar Nahin Bhulegi, to the final medley of Daler Mehendi numbers, the versatile singer had the public eating out of his hands. So much so that the place remained packed till the very end of the show at 1.30 am. Most of the songs rendered by Nigam were from his own repertoire beginning with his first film
song Achcha Sila Diya, followed by the Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya number Kabhi Tum Kaho, with Nigam increasing the tempo. The final stanza going at breakneck speed, left not just him, but even
the audience a little breathless.
His Yeh Dil Deewana and Chal Pyaar Karegi were followed by yet another much-appreciated number Le Liya Dil Piya from the film Keemat. Here Nigam even stepped in for Alisha Chinoy, almost
bettering her! From Pyar Ka Mazaa Lijiye to the foot-tapping Akhiyon Se Goli Mare, the star belted out songs non-stop to an audience that was going wild dancing along with him.
Egged on by the audience response Nigam broke into an impromptu dance number. Taking a short break, he changed from his sedate Nehru-collared brocade jacket into a snazzy red silk shirt
and black glares. With four accompanying dancers, he then jived to a pre-recorded Tu from his own album. Sandese Aate Hain, Satrangi, Sona Sona and the Punjabi number Saadi Rail Gaddi Aayee
wrapped up the last hour of the show. The music was too loud but Nigam's amazing rapport with the audience made up for it.
Special mention must be made of Raju Srivastava and his talent as a mimic artist. Nigam's father Aadam Kumar rendering two filmi oldies was another pleasant surprise. It was indeed an evening that neither the denizens of Pimpri-Chinchwad nor the organiser of the show would forget for quite some time.
