[WATCH] Sonu Nigam goes incognito for a cause

An aged, bearded man in shabby clothes sitting under a tree on the street of Mumbai’s posh Juhu locality was seen playing a harmonium and using his melodious voice to belt out some of Bollywood’s superhit songs.

There were several passers-by. Soon, a small crowd gathered around the singer. Among them was a 12-year-old boy who listened to the old man’s song and asked him “Uncle, did you have breakfast?” Without waiting for answer, the boy pulled out Rs 12 from his pocket and tucked them into the singer’s palm. 

That man was none other than Sonu Nigam -- one of the most popular singers of India – going incognito for a noble cause: raising awareness about street singers.  The episode was released as a web video recently.

The video, titled “The Roadside Ustaad”, was released on Culture Machine's digital channel Being Indian, and immediately went viral on social media. The clip captures mixed reactions of commoners ranging from individuals stopping by and enjoying the old man's singing to those who walked away blissfully unaware of the quality of his singing and the person behind it.

Talking about the initiative, Sonu said in a statement: “I went (on to do this video) without any expectations, totally bereft of any awkwardness for the way I was looking and what I was about to subject myself to. For the first time, I was not me. The make-up was so good and authentic that people standing so close to me, couldn't recognize me,” he added.

Sonu Nigam said that the harmonium he used on the street was the one his parents bought when he was born. “It was all so humbling. And from such an unfamiliar zone, I managed to procure something. Gratitude, grace and appreciation for what we have,” he said.

Talking about his experience, Sonu Nigam further said what moved him most was when the boy held his hand and asked him if he had his breakfast before quietly giving him Rs 12. “I’ve asked my office to frame the currency notes the boy gave me,” said the singer.

On the reason behind making this video, Karl Katgara, creative director at Culture Machine, said “The whole idea behind this experiment was to inspire people to take a moment out of their busy lives and appreciate the beauty of music. And we thought who better than Sonu Nigam to do it? He is one of the most sought-after singers in the country and the most recognisable voice. What was interesting to see at the time was, he created the same magic singing, just disguised as an old man, and people could not recognise him at all.”

One of the songs belted out by Sonu Nigam was “Kal Ho Naa Ho”, the title of the Shahrukh Khan-starrer film that was a massive hit. One hopes there will be many tomorrows for street singers of the world.