MUMBAI: It is such a rare thing among celebrities who voice their opinions without fearing backlash. Sonu Nigam has always been such a celebrity. Be it his opinion about the loudspeakers used for religious purposes or his recent comment about Pakistani singers getting privileged treatment in India, Sonu has not shied away at all.

At the recent launch of Royal Stag Barrel Select MTV Unplugged - Season 8, the National Award-winning Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam said that he cannot be dishonest about what he feels. "Look, opinion is like an a**hole, everyone has it. Some refuse to understand that. And the fact is honest opinion stinks, but that does not stop me to say it, why should I say something dishonest?" Sonu told IANS.

He also says that he is well-informed and his singing and his views are separate,
"I keep music separate from politics, but I am a musician by profession who has an interest in world affairs and everything that is happening around us in the society. I read books, interact with wise people who have in-depth knowledge of many things. So of course, if people and media ask me on things, I will react," said the singer, who delivered some superhit songs like Sandese Aate Hai, Suraj Hua Madham, Saathiya, Main Hoon Na, Main Agar Kahoon and Abhi Mujhme Kahin.

This is the second time that the fans will see Sonu in MTV Unplugged. He first appeared in the third edition. This time he has explored a genre that he admits of growing up listening to but never pursued it as his profession. The singer has sung five ghazals in the upcoming Royal Stag Barrel Select MTV Unplugged - Season 8.

His thoughts on choosing this genre was very clear, "I choose to do that and I had a thought behind it. When it comes to the young generation, say my son's generation... They do not listen to ghazals the way we used to listen as kids. But these kids love to listen to my songs, somewhere they connect to me. So my idea was to bring back those songs to the new generation... Then as a singer, I feel I have contributed something."

Since the unplugged version of any song is a challenge for a singer to perform as it is the new rendition of an already popular song, on being asked how he takes the challenge, Sonu said, "It is a double-edged sword that way. But whenever we are doing any experimental work, few people will be for it, and few against it. Thousands of people have loved my songs, my unplugged version of songs... I cannot ignore the amount of love I receive from people just because some criticize. And of course, I ignore trolls. I believe that one should know where he/she is standing in life."

"When I finish recording a song, what matters to me is if I put out my honest effort to it because I am my own judge. I cannot be dishonest with my music... No, I can't. I see satisfaction and honesty in my eyes," he said.

Royal Stag Barrel Select MTV Unplugged - Season 8 will start from 26 January 2019.

The young talent Arjun Kanungo expressed his nervousness to sing in front of such amazing singers, Sonu was gracious enough to say that he listens to Arjun’s songs a lot and loves them. Arjun was over the moon after that compliment. Who wouldn’t be?