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'I don't care how I look now'

After a two-year hiatus, singer Sonu Nigam is back on television.

The former Indian Idol judge is teaming up with Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to judge the music reality show Chhote Ustaad 2.

Here, Sonu talks about his future work, the good and bad of reality television and his son. Excerpts:

You are back on television after a long time. Why?

I did get offers for shows earlier, but I didn't like them too much. When I did Indian Idol 2 there were no mock fights between the judges. But today it is different.

When I judged Little Champs, I was very particular: I wanted Suresh Wadkarji. We never fought on the show.

This was one of the main reasons why viewers did not see me on television for the last few years. This (show) is more musically inclined and also spreads a wonderful message of love and peace across the border.

'You won't see Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and me fighting'

What will be different in this show?

Today, reality shows are being associated with too many fights and walk-out scenes, which I can't handle. Chhote Ustaad will not have any fights or walk-outs for sure. At least you won't see Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and me fighting.

I am happy that I got this opportunity to judge this show.

Do you think this will help both the countries by bringing children together through a music show?

Children are vulnerable, so inculcating (positive thoughts) and a feeling of brotherhood in them from this age will result in a very good future. It's a good initiative and I hope people will appreciate it.

'I don't want to sing B-grade songs'

You are doing less work. Is it because you are getting fewer offers or that you have become more selective?

It's both. When I decided to do less work I didn't mean that I would not do good work. I am more selective and that has led to a decrease in offers. At this stage of my career, I want to do good work with good composers. I haven't worked with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy for a long time. Not worked with Pritam Chakraborti for two years. The last time I sang for Vishal-Shekhar was in Om Shanti Om.

I feel when you are exclusive, good composers should respect that and should come to you with good compositions. But they have not approached me. I haven't refused them. I declined bad songs. I had worked with A R Rahman and Salim Merchant. I don't want to sing B-grade songs. I am not the only one in the industry; it happens to everyone who attempts to be selective.

You are returning after a long stay in the USA. You come across as a changed person...

I have been working since the age of seven. I never took time out for myself and had never lived alone. I wanted some space to re-evaluate myself and my work. To do this I had to get away from my usual surroundings. It was a period of self-discovery.

I went through a period of confusion. But I have learnt to deal with things in a different way. As far as my look is concerned, all it reflects is that I don't care how I look like now.

'I feel I am good with words'

Why did you delete your Twitter account?

I have not deleted my account permanently. I will use it as my workshop for music and connect with singers whenever I need to. I like to do everything correctly. When I took up Twitter, I wanted to make a difference. I feel I am good with words so when someone wrote about me, I was also urged to react to comments made on me. Freedom to express is great for people who know how to control themselves. I could not do that. So I thought it would be best to stay away from it.

Unlike Twitter, on Facebook you have a choice. After the death of Michael Jackson, I created a whole song in his memory with the help of my fans on Facebook.

'I am working on a new international music album'

Are you scared of criticism?

No. When people criticise they should also accept criticism. I'm only trying to establish my point of view. But I guess that is not correct. One should just let them do whatever they want to. My profession is something else.

Tell us about your son Neevan.

Nevaan is a happy kid -- humorous, sings and dances all the time. He tries to play some instruments as well. He can speak in English and Hindi and understands Bengali.

What are you planning to do next?

I am working on a new international music album, which will be in English and Hindi. I am also toying with the option of scoring music for a US film. I am looking forward to a lot of experimentation.