One would expect people to go crazy if Bollywood heartthrob Sonu Nigam sings on a Mumbai street. But nothing like that happened when the singer played the harmonium and sang some of his most famous lyrics.
As part of web video ‘the Roadside Ustaad,’ the 42-year old star dressed up as an old beggar and sat on a busy street at Juhu area with his harmonium.
Most people walked by ignoring him. A few stopped by to listen to his melodies. But no one recognized one of the most sought after voices in Bollywood.
“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,” Sonu said according to the Indian Express.
He added that the harmonium he was carrying was the one his parents bought when he was born.
“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,” Creative Director of the Project Karl Katgara said.
“To do this, who is better than Sonu Nigam. He is one of the most sought after singers in the country and the most recognizable 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.”
Sonu Nigam in his two-decade-old career has sung memorable songs like Kal Ho Na Ho, Sooraj Hua Madham and Sandese Aatey Hain.
This is not the first time a celebrity has guised and performed on the streets. Music band U2 and singers Michael Buble and Avril Lavigne have also performed on subways.
In 2015, footballer Ronaldo dressed up as a beggar and performed tricks with a football on a street in Madrid, Spain. No one paid him attention, except a child who played with him.
He signed a football for the child when he was done playing and surprised him.
