Sonu Nigam opens up on being banned by music companies over copyright fight
Sonu Nigam recently revisited one of the most controversial chapters of his career. He spoke about it during a candid conversation on the YouTube show Game Changers with Komal Nahta. The topic centered on the time music companies banned him after he raised his voice on copyright issues.
Nigam began by looking back at how well his career was going before the controversy started. He said albums kept releasing one after another during that time. Audiences loved his work, and everything seemed to be going smoothly. That changed the moment he raised concerns over copyright. Several music companies responded by cutting ties with him entirely.
He recalled how people within the industry began labelling him an activist at the time. The tone behind that label, he noted, was often dismissive rather than respectful. Looking back now, he finds it ironic that those same companies eventually started paying him royalties. He added that representatives from these companies now visit his home as guests.
Nigam also explained his reasoning behind taking such a bold stand at the time. He said someone had to take the risk, comparing his decision to belling the cat. According to him, he felt he was meant for something bigger than just singing. He believed he was destined to carry forward a movement that legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar had once started. That movement, he said, had never reached its logical conclusion.
When asked whether he felt scared during that turbulent period, Nigam said fear was not something he experienced. He admitted he never expected to actually get banned in the first place. He initially believed things would eventually work out on their own. However, as the situation kept worsening and more doors closed around him, he found strength through his live performances instead. He felt confident that nobody could stop him once he stepped on stage.
Nigam went on to describe how his relationship with music companies gradually improved over time. He credited changing laws, along with the industry’s eventual realization that his stance had been justified. According to him, this shift slowly repaired his equation with these companies. Today, he said, their interactions feel warm and almost familial in nature.
Reflecting on the entire journey, Nigam suggested that everyone involved likely needed to go through that difficult phase for real change to happen. He noted that any bitterness or resentment that once existed between him and the industry has since completely faded away, leaving behind a much healthier relationship.
