MusicTibet.com

Weekend's word: Sonu Nigam

By Lobsang Wangyal

MCLEOD GANJ, India, 23 July 2006 Sonu Nigam was the word yesterday in Mcleod Ganj. A name synonymous with Hindi pop and playback singing, the star from Bombay was in town to participate in a programme Haath Se Haath Milaa to promote HIV/AIDS awareness education among the youth. BBC World Service Trust, in association with National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and Doordarshan (Indian national TV) promoted the event.

Sonu Nigam delighted the packed hall at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) on Saturday evening with his hit song "Kal ho na ho" from the film with the same name, and also another song from his pop album.

Haath Se Haath Milaa is an innovative TV series, featuring Youth Stars from different parts of India who have made an outstanding contribution in the field of HIV/AIDS. The compelling factor in each episode is the meeting of the reel life film stars by these real life heroes. Doordarshan will air 52 episodes in this series.

The programme headhunted Sarika Katoch, a 24-year-old young woman, from a village near Dharamshala, in Himachal Pradesh. She has been working towards the education and awareness of the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region for the last few years. She is not only a youth activist and a social worker but her versatility is reflected in being a singer, lyricist and dancer.

A musical competition was organised at the TIPA to bring the message of Haath Se Haath Milaa to the youth. Eight artistes took part in the competition, from TIPA, the Hijackers band and students from the Tibetan Children's Village school. TIPA artistes won the three top positions. Winner Ms Tenzin Dasel sang an all-time-favourite Hindi song "Ajib dastan". The other two winners were Norbu Samphel and Tenzin Kunsel, who both sang Tibetan songs.

In all, Kya Sur hai kya Taal hai, Sonu Nigam.