Sonu Nigam in Mumbai (Courtesy: sonunigamofficial)
Highlights
- "Not a Muslim, why should I be woken by the azaan," he tweeted
- Mr Nigam ended by describing the uninvited alarm as 'gundagardi'
- Sonu Nigam's tweets have opened a debate on Twitter
New Delhi:
Singer
Sonu Nigam's tweets from this morning, complaining about being woken up by the
azaan or morning call to prayer, have snowballed into a controversy. Mr Nigam, 43, ranted against the use of loudspeakers to call the faithful in a series of tweets, also clarifying that he objected to increased decibel levels from temples and gurudwaras as well. 'Not a Muslim, why should I be woken by the azaan,' he began, then railed against electrification being used for 'forced religiousness,' and ended by describing the uninvited wake up call as '
gundagardi.'
Sonu Nigam's tweets have opened a debate on Twitter, with several siding with and against the singer. Some have pointed out those labelling the singer 'anti-Muslim' that it is not Islam he is objecting to, but the use of loudspeakers in particular. 'Sonu Nigam' is currently the top trend on Twitter.
Sonu Nigam is developing a prickly Twitter personality to rival Rishi Kapoor, lately. He recently schooled colleague Mika Singh for addressing him as '
tum' in a tweet instead of '
aap.'
Sonu Nigam has provided playback for most of the top-rated stars of the industry. Some of his famous songs are -
Kal Ho Naa Ho, Main Agar Kahoon, Abhi Mujhme Kahin, and Sandese Aate Hain.
He recently appeared as a judge on
Indian Idol 9.
Sonu Nigam has also collaborated with Sachin Tendulkar on the cricketer's debut album,
Cricket Wali Beat.