On July 30, Sonu Nigam turned 51 and in the 46 years of his career in music, he’s given us songs we’ve loved, laughed with, and cried to, and his dulcet melodies never fail to jolt you out of your reverie. He is synonymous with high energy on stage and even now he’ll pull off a Ab mujhe raat din or an Abhi mujh mein kahin, or a Papa meri jaan with equal dedication and energy — catering to the billions who call themselves his fans across the globe. Recently, on a US tour, the singer chatted with t2 about his journey and more. Excerpts.

From your first album to the countless playbacks in the music industry… how do you reflect on your journey?

Thirty-three of being in Mumbai and 46-plus years in the profession of singing, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

When did you start singing?

Singing happened as organically to me as speaking and listening happens to humans. I was born with music in my head and before I could realise it, I was singing on stage. My father Agam Kumar Nigam and mother Shobha Nigam, both singers, made sure that there was enough music discussed and heard in our house.

As a child did you dream of becoming a musician?

Music was such an integral part of my being that I always wanted to be something else. I thought of myself as a scientist when I grow up, or an IAS officer at different points of my life.

What does turning 51 mean to you?

It amazes me that I have actually reached a remarkable number in terms of age and, thankfully, people say that I am aging gracefully. I think it’s because I have come to a beautiful and sound understanding with the Universe and that keeps me balanced and joyous, and more than anything else, connected from my within.

When you started anchoring Sa re ga ma, how did you develop the confidence and screen presence?

I always feel the Universe has a magnificent way of setting the game plot for everyone individually according to their individual capacity. I was quite knowledgeable about songs of all eras due to upbringing and keenness despite having not received formal classical music training. On the other hand, due to my academic inclinations and the numerous books I read throughout my childhood, I was grammatically very sound and had a good hold in both Hindi and English. Both these qualities made me decently qualified for hosting Sa re ga ma. And I saw myself getting better with every episode and every season.

Recently you concluded a tour in Australia. What’s your most memorable takeaway from it?

I have been to Australia before, too, but never performed at the Sydney Opera House. As fate would have it, the first time I performed in the Opera House also happened to be the first time a singer has done two back-to-back sold out concerts in a single day. It’ll forever remain as one of my most memorable days professionally.

Which project do you think was the biggest turning point of your career?

I never got anything overnight and suddenly, one thing led to the other and brought me where I am standing today. But if I have to say Sa re ga ma, put me in the household of India and I’m very thankful that something like that happened to me besides the legendary songs that have come my way.

After Classically Mild, are you working on any album?

I did a very unconventional album called Music Room with the amazing percussionist Bickram Ghosh. It wasn’t meant to be a Deewana but had some really interesting experimental music meant for the people who understand taal and chords. I guess with the change in technology, albums are replaced by singles. But I am not against the idea of an album. Maybe in the future.

What are your upcoming projects?

I have sung a lot of songs for a lot of upcoming movies. Then my brothers Salim-Sulaiman’s pet project Bhoomi 24 has my songs. Also, Bhushan Kumar is very keen on a Deewana 2.

In your life, who has been your biggest inspiration, musically and otherwise?

I have been inspired by a lot of people from different walks of life. Some popular some unknown. Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, K.L. Saigal, Mukesh, Manna Dey, Talat Mahmood, Michael Jackson, Ghulam Ali, Mehdi Hassan, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Suresh Wadkar, Hariharan, and many more in music and Osho, Javed Akhtar, Yogananda are few of the many names I admire as thinkers.

When you go up on stage — what’s your go-to concert wear? What are you more comfortable with?

I like wearing loose clothes that don’t make me too warm on stage as my performances are anyways very high energy that end up making me sweat profusely.

Among the young stars, who do you think has great potential to rise and shine?

I truly love Arijit Singh.

What’s your thought on the indie music scene of the country? Do you have some words of inspiration for them?

Indie music scene is shining these days. I’m very happy for the young talents who have managed to carve their own niche and are commanding their own audience. Well done.

How do you usually like celebrating your birthday? How did you celebrate it this year?

I love being with my people on my birthdays. I like to do the things I love on birthdays like riyaz, workouts and I’m happier when there’s a concert or a recording. This year was memorable as my team from Artium Academy released a short film based on my experience in Dubai for a concert early this year. Lots of my colleagues from my fraternity came to be with me. I was so touched. I met a lot of my well-wishers who came from all corners of India, both at the venue and at my house. I even ended up recording for Mithoon Sharma before going to the dinner my brothers had kept for me. So, all in all, it was a wholesome birthday.